

THE PEOPLE'S 
HORSE,CATTLE 
SHEEPand SWINE 
DOCTOR^ 




PEOPLE'S 

HORSE, CATTLE, SHEEP, AND SWINE 

DOCTOR : 

CONTAINING, IN POUR PARTS, 

CLEAR AND CONCISE DESCRIPTIONS OP THE DISEASES OP THE 

RESPECTIVE ANIMALS, WITH THE EXACT DOSES 

OP MEDICINE FOR EACH. 

EDITED BY 

WILLIAM H. CLAEKE. 



ILLUSTRATED. 



NEW YORK: 

M. T. RICHARDSON, Publisher. 
1891. 






Copyright, 1891. 
By M. T. Richardson. 



THE BEN-FRANKLIN PRESS, 

45 TO 51 ROSE ST., 

XEW YORK. 



PREFACE 



The title page of this work explains its nature, scope, 
and character so perfectly that little else need be said 
on the subject. It is compiled from the highest author- 
ities and the latest editions of their respective works. 
For example, the parts entitled " Medicines and their 
Doses" and " Medicines and their Classes" are based, or 
chiefly based, on the seventh edition of Dun's " Vet- 
erinary Medicines." Prof. Percivall's works, from which 
numerous extracts have been made, are getting old, it is 
true ; but as his words are often quoted by all modern 
veterinary authors, no apology is needed for the extracts 
from that source in this work. The illustrations, num- 
bering, in the aggregate, 232, are the best of their kind, 
and are taken from here and there. Many are from May- 
hew and Armitage. 

One of the drawbacks of most veterinary books is the 
confusion of nomenclature. This is an almost necessary 
fault of this volume, for if several of the different names 
by which some diseases are known were not given, how 
could the unprofessional reader recognize them ? For 
example, on page 225 is the following: " Carbuncular 
"fever (anthrax), also called Texas fever, splenic fever, 
trembles, charbon, blain, &c." Page 238 : " Hoven 
(tympanites), also known as hove, hoove, blown, dew- 
blown, fog-sickness, &c." Page 322 : " Swine plague or 
swine anthrax, also known as hog cholera, red soldier, 
blue sickness, measles, erysipelas, intestinal fever, typhoid 
fever, &c." The using of the word ' thrush ' to indicate 
both disease of the foot and the mouth is certainly inex- 
cusable confusion. (See pages 196", 238, 296.) It is like 
using the word 'fang' to indicate the root as well as the 



iv PREFACE. 

crown of a tooth. These and similar defects, in veterin- 
ary as well as other works, will probably pass away in 
the course of time. 

As a rule, where practicable, a plain English word has 
been used to name a disease, the technical name being 
given in a parenthesis. Where not practicable, the tech- 
nical name is explained as in the following examples : 
" Ecthyma (boil-like eruptions)." " Herpes (creeping, 
spreading)." ''-Erythema (red, rose-colored)." Scores of 
other parenthetical explanations are made here and there 
throughout the work. 

The two descriptions of ' Measles ' (pages 316 and 328) 
appear to be inharmonious. The first, based on Gress- 
well, refers to the well known febrile skin disease; the 
second, based on Armitage, refers to measle worms. In 
quoting from different authors, there is sure to be more 
or less confusion and a few apparent contradictions. 

Some useful information is contained in a note on 
page 13 — namely, the measurement of medicines in ordi- 
nary utensils. An important addition to the note, espe- 
cially to farmers, is the fact that an average sized grain 
of wheat weighs one-half grain — apothecaries' weight. 

New York, July, 1891. 



INDEX. 



Note. — As the medicines are alphabetically arranged on pages 13 to 29, 
they are not indexed ; nor are their classes — pages 30 to 31. 



Abortion, cattle 290, sheep 314. 
Abscess of scrotum, horse 127. 
Abscess, serous, horse 66. 
Abuse, self, horse 12*7. 
Actinomycosis (known in the past as 

cancerous tongue) cattle 228. 
Acute indigestion, horse 9*7. 
Acute pulmonary congestion, cattle 

263. 
Albuminous urine, horse 116, ox 270. 
Amaurosis or glass eye, horse 139. 
Amputation of the penis, horse 126. 
Anaemia or lack of blood, cattle 234. 
Anaemic palpitation, cattle 255. 
Anthrax (carbuncular or Texas fever) 

cattle 225, sheep 308, swine 322. 
Aphtha or thrush (of mouth) cattle 

238, sheep 296. 
Apoplexy, cattle 266, swine 324. 

Baldness, horse 168, cattle 280. 

Barrenness, mare 64. 

Bees, hornets, &c. stings of, 192. 

Belly hernia, horse 59. 

Birth, a natural, calf 293. 

Bitters, definition and use of (note) 39. 

Black Leg or Black Quarter, cattle 
227. 

Black "Water, cattle 270. 

Bleeding from lungs, horse 90, cattle 
263. 

Bleeding from nostrils, horse 76, cat- 
tle 258. 



Bloody urine, horse 117, cattle 270. 
Blue Disease, cattle 255. 
Boils, how to treat, cattle 279. 
Bog Spavin, horse 197. 
Bone brittleness, horse 68, cattle 233. 
Bone Spavin, horse 196. 
Bots, horse 100, cattle 285, sheep 318. 
Broken- Wind, horse 92. 
Bronchitis, horse 82, cattle 259. 
Bronchitis, chronic, horse 85, ox 260. 
Bronchitis, parasitic, cattle 260. 
Bronchocele or G-oiter, horse 78, cat- 
tle 234. 
Bruise of the. sole, horse 188. 
Bruises, general, 188. 
Brushing or Interfering, horse 186. 
Burns and Scalds, 181. 

Cancerous tumor op Vulva, mare 

126. 
Canker in horse's foot, 194. 
Capped Elbow, Hock, and Knee, 209. 
Carbuncle, cattle 280, sheep 297. 
Cataract of horse's eye, 138. 
Cataract, green, horse 139. 
Catarrh, malignant, ox 231, sheep 300. 
Catarrh, simple, horse 70, cattle 258, 

swine 332. 
Cattle Plague, 228. 
Cerebro-spinal fever, horse 48. 
Choking, horse 155, cattle 239. 
Colic, flatulent, horse 104, cattle 245. 
Colic, simple, cattle 245, 



Colic, spasmodic, horse 102. 

Colt 111 (strangles) 42. 

Confined (unprotrudable) penis, horse 

126. 
( longestion of the kidneys, cattle 271. 
Congestion of the liver, horse 133. 
Congestive Pneumonia, horse 80. 
Constipation, horse 110, cattle 246, 

swine 331. 
Consumption, horse 91, cattle 225. 
Contagious Pleuro-pneumonia, ox 223. 
Corns, horse 200. 
Cough, horse 75. 
Cow-pox, 229. 
Cracked Heel, horse 173. 
Crib-biting, horse 144. 
Curl), horse 200. 

Delirium, cattle 264. 

Dental instruments, 145 to 151; the 

names of same, 152. 
Diabetes, horse 63, cattle, 234, 270. 
Diaphragm, spasm and rupture of, 

horse 94. 
Diarrhea, horse 107, cattle 246, sheep 

307, swine 332. 
Diphtheria, horse 49. cattle 230. 
Dislocations, horse 193. 
Distention of the rectum, cattle 251. 
Dizziness or staggers, horse 55. 
Dropsies, horse 64, 65, 66, 127, cattle 

250, 280. 
Dysentery, horse 108, ox 247, sheep 

307. 
Dyspepsia, horse 99. 
Dysuria (painful urination) cattle 272 

Ears, sheep's, keep clean, 320. 
Ecthyma (skin disease) horse 162, ox 

279, sheep 298. 
Eczema (skin disease) horse 160, ox 

275, sheep 297. 



Elephantiasis (thick skin) horse 164, 
ox 278. 

Embolism (plugging a vessel) 257. 

Engorgement and inflammation of the 
rumen or first stomach, ox 241. 

Engorgement of the omasum or third 
stomach, ox 240. 

Enlargement of kidneys, horse 120. 

Enlargement of the lachrymal (eye) 
caruncle, horse 141. 

Epilepsy or fits, ox 265, swine 325. 

Equine (horse) syphilis, 121. 

Esophagus or throat, stricture, rup- 
ture, and opening of, horse 154 155. 

Erysipelas, horse 45, cattle 27 6. 

Erythema (skin disease) horse 157, ox 
274, sheep 297. 

Eyelid, laceration of, horse 180. 

Eyes, injuries of, horse 180. 

Fardel-Bound, cattle 240. 

False Quarter, horse 191. 

Farcy- Glanders, horse 67. 

Fever, brain and spinal cord (cerebro- 
spinal meningitis) horse 48, ox 269. 

Fever, " acute or inflammatory, horse 
39. 

Fever, carbuncular or Texas, ox 225, 
sheep 308. 

Fever, catarrhal (influenza) horse 40. 

Fever, diphtheritic, horse 49. 

Fever, horse-pox, 49. 

Fever, low or typhoid, horse 40. 

Fever, milk (parturient apoplexy) cow 
268. 

Fever, purple, horse 47, ox 2.'i5. 

Fever, pus (strangles or colt-ill) 42. 

Fever, scarlet, cattle, 235. 

Fever, simple or continued, horse 39. 

Fistula, horse 59. 

Fistula in the withers, horse 61. 

Fistula of the anus, horse 62. 



Fistulous Parotid Duct, horse 62. 
Flatulent Colic, horse 104, cattle 245. 
Flatulent stomach (colic) horse 101. 
Flukes, rot of liver caused by, 305. 
Flyblow, horse 68. 
Foot and Mouth Disease, ox 224. 
Foot- Rot, sheep 303. 
Foreign bodies in the heart, ox 257. 
Fractures, horse 192, cattle 287. 
Frost Bite, horse 189. 
Foul in the Foot, cattle 286. 
Founder, horse 201, cattle 286. 

Gad-Flies, horse 100, cattle 286. 

Garget, cattle 289. 

Glanders-Farcy, horse 67. 

Glass- Eye, horse 139. 

Goiter, horse 78, cattle 234. 

Gid (sturdy, turusick, &c.) sheep, 309. 

Grass and Stomach Staggers, horse 

97, cattle 240. 
Grease (skin disease) horse 166. 
Grern Cataract, horse 139. 
Greasiness of the skin, horse 176. 

Heart, palpitation of, horse 130. 

Heart, various disorders of, horse 130. 

Hernia (rupture) horse 58, 59, ox 252. 

Herpes (skin disease) horse 161, cat- 
tle 276. 

Horn Tumor of horse's foot, 208. 

Horse-Pox, 49. 

Hidebound, horse 173. 

Hoven (swelling) ox 238, sheep 317. 

Hoose or Husk (worms in throat and 
bronchial tubes of sheep) 3 1 0. 

Hydrothorax (water in chest) horse 
88. 

Hysteria, mare 126.. 

Imperforate Anus, cattle 251. 
Indigestion, acute, horse 97. " 



Indigestion, chronic (dyspepsia) horse 

99, cattle 245. 
Inflamed lymphatics, horse 186. 
Inflamed vein, horse 183. 
Inflammation of the bladder, horse 

119, cattle 273. 
Inflammation of the bowels, horse 

105, cattle 248. 
Inflammation of the brain, horse 48, 

cattle 264. 
Inflammation of the heart, cattle 256, 

257 
Inflammation of the kidneys, horse 

115, cattle 271. 
Inflammation of the liver, horse 132, 

cattle 253, 
Inflammation of the lungs (pneumo- 
nia) horse 79, ox 261, swine 333. 
Inflammation of the mouth, horse 153. 
Inflammation of the penis, horse 123. 
Inflammation of the pericardium, 

horse 129, cattle 255. 
Inflammation of the peritoneum, cat- 
tle 249. 
Inflammation of the stomach, horse 

96. 
Inflammation of the testicles, horse 

126. 
Inflammation of the tongue, horse 153. 
Inflammation of the urethra, horse 

123. 
Inflammation of the vagina, mare 124. 
Inflammation of the womb, mare 125. 
Inflammatory pneumonia, horse 80. 
Inflation (under skin) cattle 280, 
Influenza (catarrhal fever or pink eye) 

horse 40. 
Inguinal (groin) and scrotal hernia or 

rupture, horse 58. 
Injured eyes, horse 180. 
Injuries of mouth, tongue, jaws, &c. 
• horse 181. 



Interfering or Brushing, horse 186. 

Intestinal and stomach concretions 
(stones) horse 111. 

Intussusception or Introsusception, 
horse 113, cattle 252. 

Inversion and protrusion of the blad- 
der, horse 120, cattle 273. 



Medicines, how to measure them in 
ordinary utensils (note) 13. 

Megrims (vertigo, dizziness, &c.) horse 
55, cattle 265. 

Milk Fever, cattle 268, sheep 313. 

Moon-Blindness, horse 136. 

Muir-Ul, cattle 270. 



Jaundice or Yellows, horse 133, 

cattle 253. 
Joint-Ill, sheep, 312. 

Kidneys, congestion of, cattle 271. 
Kidneys, cysts in, horse 120. 
Kidneys, enlargement of, horse 120. 
Kidne3 - s, inflammation of, horse 115, 
cattle 271. 

Lacerated Knee, horse 184. 

Lambing or Milk Fever, sheep, 313. 

Lampas, horse 153. 

Lice, horse 168, cattle 284. 

Lichen and Prurigo (skin diseases) 
horse 159, cattle 278. 

Lip, tumor of. horse 154. 

Liver, concretions, congestion, rup- 
ture, and hydatid tumors of, horse 
133; inflammation of, horse 132, 
cattle 253. 

Lock-Jaw, horse 53, with note ; cat- 
tle 234, sheep 318. 

Louping-Ill or Trembling, sheep 314. 

Lymphangitis (weed or swelled legs) 
horse 56. 

Malignant Catarrh, ox 231, sheep 

300. 
Mallenders and Sallenders, horse 202. 
Mange, horse 168, cattle 281, sheep 

301, swine 334. 
1 Mark,' the, horse 215, 221. 
Measles, sheep 316, swine 328, 



N^evus (skin spots of various kinds, 
often having an erectile character ; 
they may be single or multiple, are 
more or less pulsating, have a deep 
purple color, an irregular, flattened 
appearance, and resemble warts; 
remedy — absorption, cauterization, 
adhesive inflammation, excision, or 
ligature) cattle 280. 

Nasal Gleet, horse 73. 

Nasal Polypus, horse 77. 

Navel Hernia, horse 59. 

Navel 111 or Navel Pocking, sheep 312. 

Nettle-Rash or Surfeit, horse 158, ox 
277. 

Non-secretion of Milk, ewe 320. 

Obstructions in the Teats, ox 293. 
Ophthalmia or Moon-Blindness, horse 

136, sheep 319. 
Open Knee and other joints, horse 

184. 
Opening the throat or esophagus, 

horse 155. 
Opening the windpipe, horse 44. 
Osteoporosis (hardening) horse 68. 
Ovaries, diseases of, mare 127. 
Overreach and Tread, horse 189. 
Ozena or Nasal Gleet, horse 73. 

Palpitation op the Heart, horse 

130. 
Paralysis (paresis, palsy) horse 51, ox 

266, swine 333. 



INDEX. 



Parrot-Mouth, horse 143. 
Pemphigus or watery bladders, cattle 

279. 
Penis, amputation of, horse 126. 
Piles, horse 113, cattle 251, swine 

330. 
Pink- Eye (influenza) horse 40. 
Pleurisy, horse 86, cattle 262. 
Pleuro-pneumonia, contagious, cattle 

223. 
Pneumonia, horse 79, cattle 261. 
Pneumonia, chronic, horse 82. 
Pneumonia, inflammatory, horse 80. 
Poisons, a few, with antidotes, cattle 

236. 
Poll-Evil, horse 60. 
Polypus, nasal, horse 77. 
Polypus of stomach, horse 101. 
Pricked Foot, horse 188. 
Protruded Penis, horse 126. 
Protrusion of the Anus or Rectum, 

horse 114, cattle 251, swine 330. 
Prurigo and Lichen (skin diseases) 

horse 159, cattle 278. 
Pruritus, horse 165. 
Psoriasis (scaly inflammation of skin) 

horse 163. 
Pumice Foot, horse 210. 

Quinsy (inflammation of the throat 

or adjacent parts) swine 333. 
Quittor, horse 190. 

Rabies or Hydrophobia, horse 50, 

sheep 318. 
Red Water, cattle 270, sheep 319. 
Retention of urine, horse 120, cattle 

272. 
Rheumatism, horse 63, cattle 232, 

swine 333. 
Rickets (soft or pliable bone) horse 

69, cattle 233. 



Ringbone, horse 203. 

Ringworm or Tetter, horse 171, cattle 

283. 
Ringworm, yellow or honeycomb, 

horse 171. 
Roaring, horse 74. 
Rot or Fluke Disease, sheep 305. 
Rupture, horse 58, cattle 252, 255. 
Ruptured tendons and ligaments, horse 

187. 
Rupture of blood vessels, cattle 255. 
Rupture of diaphragm, horse 94. 
Rupture of esophagus or throat, horse 

155. 
Rupture of stomach, horse 101. 

Saddle Galls, horse 182. 

Saddle Scald, horse 172. 

Salivary Calculi (stones) horse 154. 

Sallenders and Mallenders, horse 202. 

Sandcrack, horse 209. 

Scab or Scabies (mange) horse 168, 
cattle 281, sheep 301, swine 334. 

Scrofula, horse 91, cattle 225. 

Scarlet Fever, horse 46, cattle 235. 

Scrotal and Inguinal (groin) hernia or 
• rupture, horse 58, swine 332. 

Scurf (bran-like scales, with slight 
redness of skin, but without dis- 
charge ; chronic, non-contagious, 
with some itching; good habitat 
for vermin) cattle 280. 

Seedy Toe, horse 205. 

Self- Abuse in stallion, 127. 

Serous Abscess, horse 66. 

Sheep-pox, 299. 

Sheep Tick, the, 315. 

Shivering or Jinkback, horse 210. 

Sidebone, horse 204. 

Sitfasts, horse 182. 

Softening of spinal cord, cattle 269. 

Sore apd obstructed teats, cows 290. 



Sore lips in calves, lambs, goats, and 

pigs, 276. 
Soreness about anus, horse 174. 
Sore Throat or Laryngitis, horse 72, 

cattle 258. 
Spasm of the diaphragm, horse 94. 
Spasmodic Colic, horse 102. 
Spasms and Convulsions, horse 51. 
Speedy-Cut, horse, 186. 
Spleen, diseases of, horse 135. 
Splint (bony tumor or exostosis) horse 

198. 
Sprain of muscles, tendons, ligaments, 

horse 187. 
Sprain of the back sinews of the hind 

legs, horse 204. 
Staggers, stomach and grass, horse 

97, cattle 240. 
Staggers (dizziness or vertigo) horse 

55. 
Stitches or sutures for wounds, horse 

178. 
Stomach and Intestinal Concretions 

(stones) horse 111. 
Stomach Staggers, horse 97, cattle 

264. 
Stomachs of the ox, the four, 242. 
Stones urinary, horse 118, cattle 273. 
Stones or Calculous Concretions, horse 

111, cattle 273. 
Strain of loins muscles, horse 186. 
Strangles (colt ill or pus fever) horse 

42. 
Strangury (passage of urine drop by 

drop) 272. 
Stricture of the esophagus or throat, 

horse 154. 
Stringhalt, horse 199, cattle 269. 
Sturdy (gid, turnsick, turnside) sheep 

309. 
Suppression and Retention of urine, 

horse 120, cattle 272. 



Surfeit or Nettie-Rash (skin disease) 

horse 158, cattle 277. 
Sutures (stitches) for wounds, horse 

178. 
Swelled legs (weed or lymphangitis) 

horse 56. 
Swine Measles, cause of and danger 

from, 328, 329. 
Swine Plague (anthrax, hog cholera, 

red soldier, blue sickness, measles, 

&c.) 322. 
Syphilis, equine, 121. 

Teeth, disorders of, horse 142, cattle 

2ss. 
Tendons, wounded, horse 185. 
Tetanus or Lock-Jaw. horse 53, with 

note; cattle 234, sheep 318. 
Tetter or Ringworm, horse 17J, cattle 

283. 
Texas Fever (anthrax, carbuncular 

fever, &c.) cattle 225. 
Thorough-pin of the Hock, horse 197. 
Thorough-pin of the Knee, horse 198. 
Thrush (of foot) horse 196. 
Thrush or Aphtha (of mouth) cattle 

238, sheep 296. 
Torpid liver, draft for, cattle 254. 
Tracheotomy or opening the wind- 
pipe, horse 44. 
Tread and Overreach, horse 189. 
Trichina Spiralis or Pork . Worms, 

326. 
Tuberculosis or Consumption, horse. 

91, cattle 225. 
Tumor and Fungus of the Orbit, horse 

141. 
Tumor of the Elbow, horse 182. 
Tumor of the Face, horse 154 
Tumor of the Lip, horse 154, 
Tumor of the Thyroid Gland, horse 

78. 



XI 



Tumsick, Turnside, Goggles, Gid, &c. 

sheep 309. 
Twins, cow 293. 
Twisted or strangled bowels, horse 

112, cattle 252. 

Urinary Stones, horse 118, cattle 
273. 

Vein, inflamed, horse 183. 
Venomous bites and stings, 192. 
Vertigo or Dizziness, horse 55. 



Warbles in ox, 183. 
Warts, horse 174, cattle 280. 
Water on the Brain, cattle 267. 
Watery Eyes, horse 140 
Weed or swelled legs, horse 56. 
Weed, chronic, horse 164. 
Windgalls, horse 205. 
Worm in the Eye, horse 140. 
Worms, horse 111, cattle 287, sheep 

310, 311, swine 326-329. 
Wounded Tendons, horse 185. 
Wounds, horse 177, cattle 287. 



Warble or Bot-Fly, cattle 285. 
Warbles or Grubs, horse 183. 



Yellows or Jaundice, horse 133, 
cattle 253. 



MEDICINES AND THEIR DOSES. 



Acid, Acetic. — Is used externally only. 

Acid, Hydrochloric. — Of diluted or medicinal acid 
horses take $ to 2 drams* (drachms), cattle 2 to 4 drams, 
sheep and swine 15 to 20 drops, in 40 or 50 times its 
bulk of water, often given with bitters and iron. 

Acid, Nitric. — Of diluted medicinal acid horses and 
cattle take 1 to 2 drams, sheep and swine 10 to 20 drops, 
largely diluted with water; often conjoined with bitters. 
For external use, a dram in a pint of water is strong 
enough for all except escharotic (caustic) purposes. An 
ointment and a paste are also used. 

Acid, Nitro-Hydrochloric. — Diluted and in the same 
doses as nitric acid. 

Acid, Sulphuric. — Horses take of the medicinal acids 
1 to 2 drams, cattle 2 to 4 drams, sheep $ to 1 dram, 
swine 10 to 20 drops, several times a day, freely diluted 
and often conjoined with aromatics and bitters. As an 
external astringent, 10 to 20 drops of medicinal acid are 
mixed with an ounce of water. 

Aconite. — Horses, 20 to 30 drops; cattle i to 1 dram; 
sheep and swine, 5 to 10 drops. Fleming's tincture of 
aconite is about 4 times stronger than most others, and 
must be used accordingly. 

* A teaspoon contains 1 fluid dram ; a dessert-spoon 2 ; a table-spoon 
1-2 a fluid ounce; a wine glass 2 to 2 1-2 fluid ounces; teacups 5 to 7 
fluid ounces: common tumblers from 8 to 10 fluid ounces. 

In apothecaries 1 weight 20 grains make 1 scruple, 3 scruples 1 dram, 8 
drams 1 ounce; (pound not used except at wholesale, when 16 ounces, 
avoirdupois, is the standard). In fluid measure 60 minims make 1 dram, 
8 drams 1 ounce, 16 ounces 1 pint, 2 pints 1 quart, 4 quarts 1 gallon. In 
England 20 ounces make 1 pint, imperial measure. 



14 MEDICINES AND THEIR DOSES. 

Alcohol. — Of rectified spirit, that is, alcohol made from 
grain, not the kind made from wood, horses take about 
1 oz. (ounce), cattle 1 to 3 oz., sheep -^ oz., swine 2 drams. 
Rectified spirit is also called spirit of wine. Whisky, gin, 
and brandy are about half the strength of rectified spirit ; 
sherry and port about a third the strength of whisky; ale 
about half the strength of sherry and port. In critical 
cases they have to be given at intervals of 1 or 2 hours. 

Aloes. — Horses, 2 to 10 drams; cattle, 1 to 2 ounces; 
sheep, i to 1 ounce ; swine, 2 to 5 drams, twice a day. 
For colts allow 5 grains for every week of their age. Aloes 
purge the blood as well as the bowels. 

Alums. — Horses and cattle, 2 to 4 drams; sheep and 
swine, 20 grains to 2 drams, in ball or solution. 

Ammoniae Liquor Fortior. — Horses, 1 to 2 drams; 
cattle, 2 to 4 drams ; sheep and swine, 1 dram. Liquor 
ammonia? and aromatic spirit of ammoniae, being about 
half the strength, are given in double doses. 

Ammonium Carbonate. — Horses, 2 to 4 drams; cat- 
tle, 3 to G drams ; sheep and swine, 15 to CO grains, in 
ball, linseed meal, or gruel. Used cold. 

Ammonium Chloride. — In same doses as ammonium 
carbonate. 

Ammonii Acetatis (Liquor).— Horses and cattle, 1 to 
4 ounces, given in 5 or parts of water, diluted spirit, 
or linseed tea. Diluted spirit means half alcohol and 
half water. 

Amyl-Nitrite. — Horses and cattle, 3 to 10 drops. Try 
small dose first. When given hypodermically, half doses 
usually suffice. Inhaled, on sugar or in draught, with 
rectified spirit or ether. 

Anise. — Horses, 1 oz.; cattle, 1 to 2 oz. : sheep and 
swine, 2 to 3 drams, several times daily, powdered. Anise 
oil, mixed with a little spirit and olive or other mild oil, 
destroys lice. Linseed, palm, and cod liver are also mild 
oils. 'A little spirit' means alcohol (in proportion.) 



MEDICINES AND THEIR DOSES. 15 

Antimony Tartrate (Tartar Emetic). — When given 
to horses or cattle for sedative, alterative, or expectorant 
effects, 1 to 4 drams, 3 or 4 times daily, in ball or solu- 
tion. As an emetic for swine, 4 to 10 grains. 

Areca-Nut. — Horses, 4 to 6 drams, in soup, mucilage, 
or milk. Also called catechu or betel-nut palm. 

Arnica, Tincture. — Horses, 4 drams to 1 ounce; cat- 
tle double the quantity, in water, ale, or gruel. 

Arsenic. — Horses and cattle, 1 to 6 grains; sheep, 1 
to 2 grains. Usually given once a day for 8 or 10 days. 

Asafetida. — Horses, 2 to 4 drams; cattle, 1 ounce; 
sheep, 1 dram, several times daily, in ball or solution. 

Atrophine (Sulphate). — Horses and cattle, 1 to 3 
drams. Hypodermically, 1-5 or less the quantity. For 
prompt and marked antispasmodic and anodyne effects, 
it should be combined with equal parts of morphine. 

Belladonna. — Of the dried powdered leaves horses and 
cattle take about 2 ounces. It is usually made into ex- 
tracts, succus, or tincture. Of the green extract (British 
Pharmacopeia process), horses take 1 to 2 drams, cattle 
2 to 3 drams, sheep 10 to 20 grains. 

Bismuth. — Of the sub-nitrate horses take 1 to 2 drams. 

Boric Acid. — Horses and cattle, 3 to 6 drams; colts 
and calves, 20 to 30 grains. 

Bromides. — Horses, 1 to 2 drams, in ball or water. 

Broom. — Horses, 1 ounce of the succus (the fluid ob- 
tained by pressing plants, flesh, &c.) 

Buchu. — Of the leaves horses and cattle take 1 to 4 
ounces, in linseed tea or barley water. 

Caffeine. — Horses, 10 grains; hypodermically (under 
the skin), 5 grains. 

Calabar Bean. — Horses and cattle, 15 to 30 grains. 

Calcium Oxide. — Of quicklime horses and cattle take 
1 to 2 drams, sheep 20 to 30 grains. Of lime-water horses 
and cattle, 4 to 5 ounces ; sheep, 2 drams to 1 ounce. 
Two ounces of lime-water and srentian infusion often check 



16 MEDICINES AND THEIR DOSES. 

diarrhea in feeble calves; half the dose for sheep. For 
calves and dogs saccharated lime is used as an antacid 
and stomachic. It is made by rubbing an ounce of slaked 
lime with two ounces of sugar, transferring the mixture 
to a bottle containing a pint of water, shaking, and sep- 
arating the clear solution with a siphon. It renders the 
milk conveniently alkaline, without diluting it as the lime- 
water does. Antacids obviate acidity of the stomach. 

Calcium Carbonate. — Horses, 1 to 2 oz.; cattle, 2 to 
4 oz. ; sheep, 2 to 4 drams ; swine, 1 to 2 drams, in ball 
or solution. 

Calcium Chlorata. — Horses, 1 to 2 drams; cattle, 2 
to 4 drams ; sheep, about 1 dram. 

Calcium Phosphate. — Horses and cattle, 1 to 2 drams; 
sheep, 5 to 10 grains, in food. 

Calomel. — See 'Mercurous Chloride.' 

Camphor. — Horses, 1 to 2 drams; cattle, 2 to 4 drams; 
sheep and swine, 20 to 40 grains. For external use dis- 
solve in 6 or 8 parts of proof spirit, linseed oil, or oil of 
turpentine. Proof spirit consists of 5 pints of rectified 
spirit and 3 pints of water. 

Cannabis Indica. — Horses and cattle take the extract 
in -^ to 1 dram doses. Tincture — horses, 1 to 2 drams ; 
cattle, 2 to 4 drams. 

Cantharides. — Horses, 4 to 20 grains; cattle, 10 to 20 
grains ; sheep and swine, 2 to 8 grains, once or twice a day. 

Carbolic Acid. — Horses and cattle, 15 to 40 drops; 
sheep and swine, 5 to 8 drops, in ball, water, or glycer- 
ine and water. Better in fluid. 

Cascarilla Bark. — Horses, 2 to 4 drams; cattle, 1 oz.; 
sheep and swine, 1 to 2 drams, in ball, infusion, or 
tincture. 

Castor Oil. — Horses and cattle, about a pint; sheep 
and swine, 2 to 4 oz., alone or with gruel, milk, or aro- 
matics. 

Catechu. — Horses, 1 to 3 drams; cattle, 2 to 6 drams; 



MEDICINES AND THEIR DOSES. 17 

and swine, 1 to 2 drams, 3 or 4 times a day, in 
mucilage or gruel. 

Chamomile Flowers. — Horses and cattle, 1 to 2 oz.; 
calves, sheep, and swine, 1 dram. Sometimes used as 
fomentations and poultices. 

Charcoal (Carbon). — Horses, 4 drams to 1 oz. ; cattle, 
1 oz.; sheep and swine, 1 to 3 drams, in gruel or other 
mucilaginous fluid. 

Chloral (Hydrate). — Horses, 2 to 4 drams; cattle, 4 
drams to 1 oz.; sheep and swine, -J to 2 drams, in sirup 
(syrup), every 2 or 3 hours. 

Chlorine is made by heating common salt and man- 
ganese black oxide with sulphuric acid. The gas is in- 
haled or the fresh solution applied in spray for ulcerated 
or diphtheritic sore throat in horses, and to abate the 
discharge and fetor in diseases of the facial and frontal 
sinuses (cavities). Both destroy the mites infesting the 
air-passages of calves and lambs. The liquor chlori (wa- 
ter charged with chlorine gas) is often introduced into 
the windpipe. Chlorine is irritant, stimulant, antiseptic 
(opposed to putrefaction), deodorant, and disinfectant. 

Chloroform. — Horses and cattle, 1 to 2 oz.; sheep and 
swine, 4 drams to 1 oz. ; given on blotting paper or 
sponge for sheep and swine ; on sponge or in bag for 
horses and cattle; put sponge in nostril. The chloro- 
formed horse must have its knees protected with stout 
caps. Internal dose — horses and cattle, 1 to 2 drams; 
sheep and swine, 20 to 40 drops, in sirup, mucilage, 
whisked egg, or weak alcohol, every 2 or 3 hours. 

Chloroform, Spirit of.— Horses, 1 oz.; cattle, 2 oz.; 
sheep and swine, 2 to 6 drams, in water. 

Cinchona. — Horses, 2 to 4 drams; cattle, 1 to 2 oz.; 
sheep and swine, 1 to 4 drams, 2 or 3 times daily for 
several days, reducing the dose or intermitting for a day 
or two if nausea occurs. The above doses are for the 
bark. An infusion is made by digesting for 1 hour, in a 



18 MEDICINES AND THEIR DOSES. 

covered vessel, 1 part of red bark in No. 40 powder with 
£ part of aromatic sulphuric acid and 20 parts of water ; 
strain. A tincture is made by maceration and percolation 
of 4 ounces of red bark, No. 40 powder, in 1 pint of 
proof spirit. 

Quinine is made by boiling the bruised cinchona bark 
with diluted hydrochloric acid, and mixing the filtered 
solution with lime until it is alkaline, when a precipitate 
falls ; is collected and boiled with alcohol, which dissolves 
both the quinine and cinchonine. Quinine is obtained 
from different cinchonas, but chiefly from the yellow, and 
is the active principle of those valuable drugs. Horses 
and cattle, 20 grains to 1 dram ; sheep and swine, 5 to 20 
grains, in ball, pill, or solution, 2 or 3 times daily. 

Cinnamon. — Horses 4 drams to 1 oz. of the bark, 20 
drops to 1 dram of the oil, on sugar, in sirup, &c. 

Cod-Liver Oil. — Horses, 2 oz. ; cattle, 2 to 4 oz. ; 
sheep, 1 oz.; swine, 4 drams to 1 oz., twice a day and 
repeated for weeks, omitting if diarrhea sets in ; given 
in milk, gruel, eggs, &c. 

Colchicum (Autumn Crocus or Meadow Saffron). — 
Horses, i to 1 dram; cattle, 1 to 2 drams; sheep, 10 to 
25 grains ; swine, 2 to 8 grains, powdered and given in 
salines. Salines contain a salt, or have the properties of 
a salt. 

Copper Sulphate (Blue Vitriol). — Horses, 1 to 2 drams ; 
cattle, 1 to 4 drams ; sheep, 20 to 30 grains ; swine, 5 to 
10 grains, in ball or solution, twice a day. 

Creosote. — Horses, 10 to 30 drops; cattle, 4 to 1 dram ; 
sheep, 5 to 15 drops ; swine, 2 to 10 drops, in ball or sirup. 

Croton Seed and Croton Oil.— Horses, 10 to 12 seeds 
(3 grains to each seed) ; cattle, 15 to 20 seeds ; sheep, 3 
to 4 seeds; swine, 2 to 3 seeds. Of the oil, horses, 15 
to 25 drops ; cattle, i to 2 drams ; sheep and swine, 5 
to 10 drops. 

Corrosive Sublimate. — See 'Mercuric Chloride.' 



MEDICINES AND THEIE DOSES. 19 

Curare (A South American arrow poison). — Horses and 
cattle, i to 1 grain. It is more effective if injected intra- 
venously or subcutaneously (into a vein or under the skin). 

Digitalis. — (So called because the flower resembles a 
finger stall; also called Fox Glove.) Of the powdered 
leaves horses take 10 to 30 grains; cattle, i to 1 dram.; 
sheep, 8 to 15 grains; swine, 2 to 10 grains. Of the 
tincture, horses and cattle, 2 to 4 drams ; sheep, 1 dram. 
The fluid extract made in the United States is nearly 10 
times as strong as the B. P. (British Pharmacopeia) tinc- 
ture. A horse was poisoned by two ounces of the pow- 
dered leaves in twelve hours. In some cases six drams 
have caused death in from twelve to sixteen hours. 

Epsom Salt. — See ' Magnesium Sulphate.' 

Ergot (of Rye). — As an ecbolic for the mare or cow, ^ 
to 1 oz. ; for sheep and swine, 1 dram, every \ or 1 hour. 
Swallow dregs and all. Sometimes 100 lbs. of hay yields 

1 lb. of ergot. Ecbolics are used to cause abortion or to 
hasten parturition. Avoid ergot pastures in grazing. 

Ergotin. — Horses and cattle, 15 to 25 grains. When 
used hypodermically, smaller doses should first be tried. 
Ether. — As a stimulant horses take 1 to 2 oz. ; cattle, 

2 to 3 oz. ; sheep and swine, 2 to 4 drams, in cold water, 
diluted spirit, &c. 

Eucalyptus (Blue Gum Tree). — Horses and cattle, 1 
dram, in diluted spirit, mucilage, or milk. 

Fern Root. — Of the powdered root horses and cattle 
take -J lb.; sheep, 3 to 5 oz. Liquid extract — horses and 
cattle, 2 to 4 drams; sheep, 1 dram. The extract is 
less bulky and surer. 

Galls. — Of tannic acid horses take 20 grains to 2 drams; 
cattle, 3 drams ; sheep and swine, 15 to 30 grains. Tan- 
nic acid is the principle to which oak-bark galls, log- 
wood and many vegetable astringents owe their properties. 
Galls, tannic and gallic acids differ only in the degree of 
their action. 



20 MEDICINES AND THEIR DOSES. 

Gamboge (A Gum Resin). — Cattle, £ to 1 oz.; sheep, 
20 to 30 grains, given with other purgatives and in so- 
lution. 

Gentian — Horses, |. to 1 oz.; cattle, 1 to 2 oz. ; sheep, 
1 to 3 drams ; swine, i to 1 dram, 2 or 3 times daily, in 
ball or infusion. 

Ginger. — Horses, 4 drams to 1 oz. ; cattle, 1 to 3 oz. ; 
sheep, 1 to 2 drams ; swine, £ to 1 dram, in ball. 

Gum Arabic. — Horses and cattle, 2 to 3 oz.; foals, 
calves, and sheep, 1 oz. 

Glycerine, given shortly before meals, is useful in 
checking undue gastric (stomach) fermentation, acidity, 
and flatulence, both in calves and dogs. It is the basis 
of many dressings for blisters, burns, cracked heels, &c. 

Hellebore. — Do not use without medical advice. A 
powdered ounce, with 2 ounces of alum, dissolved in a 
gallon of hot water, will destroy caterpillars. 

Hemlock. — Of the fluid horses and cattle take 2 to 4 
oz.; sheep and swine, £ to 1 oz. Neither the dried 
leaves nor fruit is reliable. 

Henbane (Hyoscyamus Leaves). — (Poison Tobacco, 
Stinking Nightshade.) Of the tincture horses and cattle 
take 1 oz. The extract is 6 times as strong as the tinc- 
ture. Hyoscyamine, usually given as a neutral sulphate, 
is 100 times more active than the extract. Sometimes 
used hypodermically. The leaves and seed are the parts 
used in medicine. Eaten by swine. 

Iodine. — Horses, 20 grains to 1 dram; cattle, ^ to ]1 
dram; sheep, 15 to 40 grains; swine, 10 to 20 grains, 1 
or 2 times daily, 2 hours after eating, for a week or 10 
days, omitting for a day or two if necessary. 

Ipecac (Ipecacuanha). — Of the powder, as an emetic, 
swine take 20 to 30 grains, in tepid water, either alone 
or with i to 1 grain of tartar emetic. Some use Dover's 
powder (1 part each of ipecac and opium and 8 parts of 
potassium sulphate). Of this expectorant and diaphoretic 



MEDICINES AND THEIR DOSES. 21 

horses and cattle take 1 to 3 drams ; sheep, 30 grains to 
1 dram, several times daily. Plenty of diluents ; clothe 
comfortably ; atmosphere 60° F. Expectorants induce 
coughing, hawking, and spitting. Diaphoretics excite 
perspiration. All watery drinks are diluents. 

Iron, Sulphate (Green Vitriol). — Horses, \ to 2 drams; 
cattle, 1 to 4 drams ; sheep, -10 to 30 grains ; swine, 5 to 
20. The smaller doses are given as tonics and for the 
blood, the larger as astringents, 2 or 3 times daily, in 
ball, solution, or food. 

Iron, Iodide. — Same doses as iron sulphate. Avoid 
overdoses. 

Iron, Chloride. — Of the medicinal liquor and tincture 
horses and cattle take i to 1 oz. ; sheep, 20 to 30 drops ; 
swine, 10 to -20 drops. Taken at the same intervals and 
for the same purposes as sulphate of iron, above. 

Jaborandi. — Of the fresh leaves, as an infusion, horses 
and cattle take 2 to 4 drams; sheep and swine, £ to 1 
dram. Pilocarpine nitrate or hydrochlorate (a component 
part of jaborandi), is used hypodermically in horses and 
cattle in. 1 to 2 grain doses. 

Jalap. — As a purgative for swine, 1 to 4 drams, com- 
bined with a grain or two of calomel. 

Juniper. — Of the fruit as a stomachic horses and cat- 
tle take 1 to 3 oz. ; sheep, 2 to 4 drams, several times a 
day, coarsely powdered and mixed with fodder. Of the 
oil, distilled from the unripe fruit, as a diuretic, horses 
and cattle take 1 to 2 drams, every 3 hours till water 
passes freely. Diuretics increase the secretion of urine. 

Laudanum. — See '-Opium.' 

Lead Acetates.— Horses and cattle, { to 1 dram; 
calves and sheep, 10 to 20 grains ; swine, 2 to 4 grains, 
once or twice a day, in ball or solution. External use- 
Sugar of lead is used in powder, ointment, or dissolved 
in 20 to 40 parts of water, with a little vinegar, to in- 
crease its solubility. Goulard's extract, diluted with 4 to 



22 MEDICINES AND THEIR DOSES. 

6 parts of linseed or olive oil, is a cooling aj)plicatioii 
for blistered or contused surfaces. An equally valuable 
astringent and anodyne is Goulard's extract, 1 part, vas- 
elin or glycerine, 6 to 8 parts. Equal parts of Goulard's 
extract and alcohol, diluted with 8 to 10 parts of water, 
make a useful refrigerant astringent. 

Lead Iodide is occasionally prescribed as a gland stim- 
ulant, and applied as a dressing for ringworm and indo- 
lent tumors. Used as ointment or plaster. 

Linseed Oil. — As a purgative horses take \ to 1 pint; 
cattle, 1 to 2 pints ; sheep and swine, 6 to 12 oz. ; shaken 
up in linseed gruel, milk, &c. For horses and cattle it 
is sometimes mixed with a well-made bran mash. 

Magnesia. — Colts and calves of 3 or 4 months old, 
take, as an antacid, \ to 1 dram. It is conjoined with 
carminatives and given in milk or gruel. Carminatives 
allay pain. 

Magnesium Sulphate (Epsom Salt). — As a purge, 
given in 10 or 15 parts of water, cattle take 1 to \\ lb.; 
calves of 2 or 3 months, 3 to 4 oz.; sheep and swine, 4 
to 6 oz. To expedite purgation and prevent nausea and 
griping, add a dram of ginger to the oz. of salt. One- 
fifth or one-eighth of these doses are often effectual in 
removing indigestion, keeping up the action of other 
cathartics, and as febrifuges and alteratives. On horses, 
when given alone, it is uncertain. For febrifuge and al- 
terative purposes, in any class of patients, it is conjoined 
with niter, mineral acids, gentian, and other bitters. Ca- 
thartics are either purges or laxatives. Febrifuges are 
opposed to or abate fever. Alteratives are supposed to 
produce salutary changes in diseases, but without excit- 
ing any sensible evacuation. 

Mercurous Chloride (Calomel). — As an alterative and 
febrifuge horses and cattle take 10 grains to 1 dram ; 
sheep and swine, 5 to 30 grains, usually 2 or 3 times a 
day, and frequently with equal weight of opium, to pre- 



MEDICINES AND THEIE DOSES. 23 

vent too rapid purging. As a purge calomel should be 
combined thus : For horses — calomel, 1 dram, aloes, 4 
drams. Cattle — calomel, 1 to 2 drams, Epsom or com- 
mon salt, 1 lb., or oil, 1 pint. As a vermifuge (worm 
destroyer) for horses : Calomel, oil of male shield fern, 
and aloes, 1 dram each ; ginger, 4 drams, in ball, with 
linseed meal and molasses. As an emetic for dogs or 
swine : Calomel, 2 to 3 grains ; tartar emetic, same ; or 
(in place of tartar emetic) 15 to 20 grains ipecac. Calo- 
mel destroys the acari (parasites) of scab and mange, kills 
lice, abates the itching of eczema and prurigo, removes 
the scales and heals the cracks of psoriasis, hastens the 
removal of warts, and is one of the best remedies for thrush 
in the horse's frog. In the form of ointment, it relieves 
piles in dogs. It should be used discreetly. 

Mercuric Chloride (Corrosive Sublimate). — Horses 
and cattle, 5 to 8 grains ; sheep and large pigs, 1 grain, 
in water or other simple fluid. For most external uses, 
a solution is made of 2 to 5 grains to the oz. of water. 
For itching — corrosive sublimate, 2 grains, prussic acid, 
2 drops,, water, 1 oz. Ointment — corrosive sublimate, 1 
part, fatty matters, 12 to 20 parts, usually the latter; 
used for skin and parasites. 

Mustard. — As a stomachic, carminative, or mild stim- 
ulant horses take 4 to 6 drams; cattle, i to 1 oz. ; sheep 
and swine, 1 to 2 drams, in pill or electuary (confection.) 
Large doses act as emetics in dogs, cats, and swine. 

Myrrh. — (A brown-red gum-resin, from the coasts of 
the Eed Sea. ) Horses and cattle, 2 drams ; sheep and 
swine, | to 1 dram, several times daily, in ball, decoc- 
tion, or tincture ; used with other tonics or with aloes. 

Nux Vomica (Strychnine). — Of powdered nux vomica 
horses take i to 1 dram ; cattle, 1 to 2 drams ; sheep, 
10 to 40 grains; swine, 10 to 20 grains. The extract is 
8 or 10 times as active as the powder. A tincture is 
sometimes used. Strychnine is more uniform and more 



24 MEDICINES AND THEIR DOSES. 

readily absorbed than the crude drug, and upward of 50 
times more powerful. Horses, 1 to 2 grains ; cattle, 2 to 
5 grains ; sheep, 1-5 to 1 grain. Both forms are usually 
given twice a day. 

Oak Bark. — Horses, 2 to 4 drams ; cattle, | to 2 oz. ; 
sheep and swine, ^ to 2 drams. It is made with 1 or 2 
oz. of bark to a pint of water ; given with aromatics and 
bitters ; in dysentery, with opium and starch gruel ; in 
typhoid fever, with camphor and mineral acids. 

Olive Oil. — Small doses are occasionally given to horses 
and other animals to soothe the irritated mucous mem- 
brane in chronic catarrh and bronchitis. Bronchitis is 
inflammation or catarrh of the bronchial (lung) tubes. 

Opium. — Of solid opium horses take 1 to 2 drams; 
cattle, 2 to 4 drams; sheep, 10 to 40 grains; swine, 5 to 
20 grains. Of morphine and its salts horses and cattle 
take 3 to 10 grains ; sheep and swine, { to 2 grains. 
For hypodermic injections use the small doses first. Tinc- 
ture of opium (laudanum) — horses and cattle, 1 to 3 oz.; 
sheep and swine, 2 to 6 drams. 

Pepper, Black. — As a stomachic horses take about 1 
dram; cattle, 2 drams; sheep and swine, 10 grains to £ 
dram, in ball, water, alcohol, or gruel. 

Peppermint. — Horses and cattle, 20 to 30 drops, on 
sugar or in alcohol and water. 

Pepsin is a preparation of the mucous lining of the 
fresh and healthy stomach of pigs, sheep, or calves. Colts 
and calves, 2 to 10 grains, in water, with a few drops of 
hydrochloric acid. 

Petroleum Benzin is used as a vermifuge, killing even 
tapeworms. Horses take 2 to 4 drams. 

Podophyllum. — (May Apple or Mandrake.) For chol- 
agogue (cathartic) or sedative purposes horses and cattle 
take 1 to 2 drams of the resin (podophyllin), with aloes 
or calomel, or with niter or Epsom salt. Ginger prevents 
nausea and griping. Sedatives depress the vital forces. 



MEDICINES AND THEIR DOSES. 25 

Potassium Bromide. — Horses and cattle, i to 1 oz., 
every two hours, in water. 

Potassium Carbonate and Bicarbonate. — Of either 
kind horses and cattle take \ to 1 oz.; sheep and swine, 
\ to 1 dram, several times a day, liberally diluted with 
water. For stimulating gastric secretions they are given 
half an hour before eating ; but in most, dyspeptic cases 
acids are more permanently effectual. 

Potassium Chlorate. — (Chlorate of Potash.) Horses, 
I to 4 drams; cattle, 2 to 6 drams; sheep and swine, 20 
to 60 grains, 2 or 3 times daily, in ball or solution, alone, 
or conjoined with bitters, tonics, or stimulants. Most 
horses will take an ounce a day of their own accord. As 
a soothing electuary for sore throat, it is conjoined with 
camphor, belladonna extract, and molasses. 

Potassium Iodide. — Horses and cattle, 2 to 6 drams; 
sheep and swine, 20 to 60 grains, two or three times a 
day, in ball or solution. 

Potassium Nitrate (Niter). — As a diuretic horses take 
i to 1 oz. ; cattle, 1 to 2 oz. ; sheep, 1 to 2 drams ; swine, 
\ to 1 dram. For fever \ the dose, several times daily. 

Potassium Permanganate. — As an alterative and feb- 
rifuge horses and cattle take 1 dram, but it is not pref- 
erable to either the nitrate or chlorate. 

Potassium Sulphide. — Horses and cattle, 1 to 3 drams, 
for chronic cough, rheumatism, and skin diseases. 

Prussic or Hydrocyanic Acid.— Of the B. P. 2 per 
cent, acid horses and cattle take 20 drops to 1 dram ; sheep 
and swine, 10 to 20 drops, 3 or 4 times daily, in sweet- 
ened water. 

Quassia Wood.— Of the B. P. infusion (chips, 1 part, 
cold water, 80 parts, macerated 1 hour) horses and cattle 
take 2 to 4 oz.; sheep and swine, 4 drams. 

Quinine. — See 'Cinchona/ 

Rhubarb. — As a stomachic and tonic horses take 1 oz.; 
cattle, 2 oz.; sheep, 1 dram, several times a day. It is 



2G MEDICINES AND THEIR DOSES. 

used as powder, infusion, or tincture. Rhubarb, 2 parts, 
magnesia, 6 parts, ginger, 1 part, all in fine powder and 
thoroughly mixed, make an excellent stomachic and ant- 
acid ; doses double those of simple rhubarb. In diarrhea 
in calves and foals it exerts carminative, laxative and sub- 
sequently astringent effects. When the bowels are per- 
sistently relaxed, 2 drams each of rhubarb and magnesia, 
with ^ a dram of opium, may be given night and morn- 
ing in well-boiled wheat-flour gruel, with 1 or 2 table- 
spoonfuls of spirits or sweet spirit of niter. One-third or 
one-half the quantity for lambs. 'Spirits' mean whisky, 
brandy, gin, rum, &c, as well as alcohol. 

Salicylic Acid. — Horses and cattle, 1 to 2 drams; 
sheep, 10 to 15 grains, every 1 or 2 hours, with an equal 
quantity of borax to insure solubility ; ball or solution. 

Savin. — As a destroyer of worms horses and cattle take 
3 or 4 drams of the volatile oil, dissolved in any mild 
fixed oil, or in mucilage. Decoctions and ointments are 
used externally. 

Silver Nitrate. — Horses and cattle, 2 to 5 grains ; sheep, 
1 to 2 grains ; swine, £ to 1 grain, 2 or 3 times daily ; ball. 

Sodium Carbonates. — Of the carbonate horses and 
cattle take 1 to 2 drams ; sheep and swine, 10 to 50 grains. 
The bicarbonate, possessing only about half the strength 
of the carbonate, is given in double doses ; ball or water. 

Sodium Sulphate. — As a purgative cattle take 1 to \\ 
lb.; sheep, 2 to 4 oz., in ginger and molasses, followed 
by a liberal supply of chilled water. 

Sodium Sulphites and Hyposulphites.— Of the sul- 
phites horses and cattle take £ to 1 oz.; sheep and swine, 
\ to 1 dram. Of the hyposulphites \ these doses. Take 
either several times daily, in powder or solution, or with 
food. 

Sodium Chloride (Common Salt.) — As a purgative 
adult cattle take f to 1 lb.; sheep, 1 to 3 oz. 

Sodium Chlorata.-Oi' the B. P. solution (about 2.1 



MEDICINES AND THEIR DOSES. 27 

per cent, of the available chlorine), horses and cattle take 

1 to 2 oz.; sheep and swine, 1 to 2 drams, in water. 
Spirit of Nitrous Ether. — As a stimulant and antispas- 
modic horses take 1 to 3 oz.; cattle, 1 to 4 oz. ; sheep, 

2 to 4 drams ; swine, 1 to 2 drams. Do not mix with 
other medicines or water till ready to give. Give in cold 
water or linseed tea. Antispasmodics allay spasms. 

Squill. — Horses take \ dram of the sirup. The acetate 
and tincture are given in about half the dose of the sirup. 

Strophanthus. — Of the tincture (1 part to 20 of rec- 
tified spirit) horses take \ to 1 dram. The seeds are used 
in Africa as an arrow poison. 

Strychnine. — See ' Nux Vomica.' 

Sugar. — Of sugar and molasses, as laxatives, horses and 
cattle take 1 pound; sheejD, 3 to 4 oz.; swine, 2 to 3 oz., 
given, with aromatics and salines, in water, milk, gruel, 
or mash. 

Sulphur. — As a laxative horses take 1 to 4 oz.; cattle, 

3 to 6 oz.; sheep and swine, 4 drams to 1 oz. As an 
alterative \ the quantity. 

Sulphurous Acid. — Of the B. P. solution horses and 
cattle take 1 to 2 oz.; sheep and swine, \ to 1 dram, 
every 3 or 4 hours, in water or other mild fluid. 

Taraxacum (Dandelion Root). — The fresh succus is 
the best preparation. Horses about 1 oz. 

Thymol. — For vesical catarrh horses take 5 to 20 grains. 
Its chief use is in antiseptic surgery. 

Turpentine. — Horses and cattle, 1 to 3 oz. ; sheep, 1 
to 3 drams ; swine, 1 to 2 drams, in milk, oils, eggs, &c. 
The larger doses are stimulant and antispasmodic ; the 
smaller, frequently repeated, are diuretic and inspissant 
(thickening). 

Turpentine Oil (Spirit). — As a stimulant and anti- 
spasmodic horses and cattle take 1 to 2 oz. ; as a diuretic 
\ to 1 oz. ; as an adjuvant cathartic or vermifuge about 
2 oz v combined with aloes in solution, castor or linseed ' 



28 MEDICINES AND THEIR DOSES. 

oil, iron salts, quassia, gentian or other bitters. Large 
cattle take double these doses. Sheep and swine, 1 to 4 
drams ; given in mild oils, linseed gruel, milk, &c. An 
adjuvant medicine is introduced into a prescription to aid 
the operation of the chief ingredient or basis. 

Valerian. — Horses and cattle, 2 to 4 oz., several times 
daily, in powder or infusion, conjoined with ginger, gen- 
tian, or camphor, or dissolved in spirit of ammonia. 

Veratrum Viridi and Album. — (Green and White 
Hellebore Khizome.) Of the powder horses and cattle, £ 
to 1 dram ; sheep and swine, 20 to 30 grains, every 3 or 
4 hours, in ball or dilute alcohol. Used externally in the 
several forms of powder, watery decoction (improved by a 
little spirit), and ointment, made with 1 part of veratrum 
to 8 of vaselin or lard. It is occasionally applied with 
tar or sulphur dressings. 

Verdigris, Blue (Copper Subacetate) is an irritant 
poison, and is rarely used internally. It is used exter- 
nally as a caustic, stimulant, astringent, and antiseptic. 

Water is a valuable diluent, febrifuge, and evacuant. 
It should be given moderately cold and at frequent in- 
tervals. Except for a few hours previous to great exer- 
tion, and when hungry, overheated, and prostrated, healthy 
horses should not be restricted in their water supply. But 
it must always be given judiciously, especially to the sick. 

Zinc Oxide. — Horses and cattle, 2 to 4 drams, in ball 
or solution. For external use there are solutions, lini- 
ments, ointments, and pastes or powders. 

Zinc Sulphate. — As an astringent and tonic for horses 
and cattle, 1 to 3 drams ; sheep, 10 to 20 grains, in solid 
or fluid state. As an emetic for swine and dogs 8 to 15 
grains, in 2 or 3 ounces of water. Externally it is used 
in powder or solution — 30 to 60 parts of water for the 
latter. Zinc sulphate, f oz., lead acetate, 1 oz., water, 1 
quart, constitute the well-known ' white lotion.' It is a 
valuable astringent, sedative, and antiseptic. 



MEDICINES AND THEIR DOSES. 29 

The foregoing doses, except where otherwise specified, 
are for adult animals of medium size. Stallions, bulls, 
and rams, owing to their larger size, require larger doses. 
Difference of sex does not materially affect dosage in the 
lower animals. Doses must be adapted to the age of the 
patient. It is usually estimated that a 1-year-old colt 
requires one-third the quantity of any medicine given an 
adult horse ; a 2-year-old, one-half ; a 3-year-old, two- 
thirds. A somewhat similar proportion is applicable to 
cattle. 

Medicines are usually given (1) internally, that is, by the 
stomach; (2) by inhalation; (3) by absorption through 
the skin. The latter mode has also three ways of ad- 
ministration — epidermically, by in-rubbing; endermically, 
by removing the epidermis (skin) ; hypodermically, by 
injection into the tissues under the skin. A ready but 
less prompt or certain substitute for hypodermic injection 
with a syringe, consists in coating a thread with a strong 
solution of the medicine to be introduced, and drawing 
it through the skin. Medicine may be injected into the 
veins or arteries; but this mode is rare and usually ex- 
perimental. 



MEDICINES AND THEIR CLASSES. 



Alkalies are caustic bases, are soluble in water and 
alcohol, unite with oils and fats to form soap, neutralize 
and change reddened litmus paper to blue, &c. Potash, 
soda, ammonia, lime, and magnesia are the chief alkalies. 

Alkaloids are usually powerful poisons or active med- 
icines. Those chiefly used are morphine, atrophine, quin- 
ine, cocaine, pilocarpine, ergotinine, coniine, nicotine, and 
sparteine. Alkaloids are salifiable bases, that is, they are 
capable of combining with an acid to form a salt. They 
are mostly derived from vegetable plants, in which they 
are usually the active principle. Alkaloid means a kind 
or form of alkali. 

Alteratives influence the amount and kind of tissue 
change going on in different organs and cells. Sodium 
chloride, sulphate, phosphate, acetate, and biborate ; pot- 
assium nitrate, ammonium chloride and carbonate, and 
probably all salts excreted by the kidneys, increase tissue 
change and the quantity of urea excreted. The urea is 
a component part of the urine. 

Anesthetics (Anaesthetics) diminish and absorb sen- 
sation. Chloroform, ether, chloral hydrate, nitrous oxide, 
chloride of olefiant gas, light coal-tar naphtha, &c. Used 
locally (that is, for certain spots) — cocaine, carbolic acid, 
and iodoform. 

Anaphrodisiacs diminish sexual passion. Ice or cold 
water locally ; potassium iodide and bromide ; purgatives, 
digitalis, and camphor ; a spare diet and steady work. 

Anhydrotics check perspiration and skin secretion. 
Belladonna and atrophine, picotoxine, mix vomica, salts 
of zinc, &c. 



MEDICINES AKD THEIR CLASSES. 31 

Anodynes relieve pain. Opium, morphine, anesthetics 
in small closes, belladonna, atrophine, chloral, conium, 
hyoscyamus, stramonium, &c. 

Antacids obviate acidity of the stomach. They consist 
of the alkalies, namely, potash, soda, ammonia ; the alka- 
line earths, lime and magnesia, and their carbonates and 
bicarbonates, &c. Horses instinctively lick lime-washed 
walls or eat earth when suffering from acidity of the 
stomach. 

Anthelmintics kill or expel intestinal worms. For 
bots— green food ; a combination of aloes, asafetida, tur- 
pentine, and ether. For tapeworms— areca-nut, filixmas, 
kamala, kousso, pomegranate, turpe'ntine, and chloroform. 
For round worms— santonin, santonica (wormseed plant). 
For thread worms — turpentine and essential oils, tannin 
and tannin-containing substances; santonin, santonica; 
with injections of common salt, iron chloride, or lime- 
water. For fluke worms — maintain strength by good feed- 
ing ; common salt and soluble iron salts exert general 
tonic effects and limited vermicide action ; a physic has- 
tens expulsion of the flukes. 

Antiperiodics mitigate the severity or prevent the 
recurrence of certain diseases. Cinchona, quinine, and 
arsenic are reliable antiperiodics. 

Antiphlogistics. — See ' Antipyretics.' 

Antipyretics lower the temperature of the body in 
fever. They embrace cinchona alkaloids, benzoic, car- 
bolic, and salicylic acids, salicylicates, salicin, camphor, 
eucalyptol, thymol and other essential oils, alcohol, anti- 
monial salts, aconite, digitalis, veratrine, nitrous ether, 
antipyrin, opium, ipecac, cold bath, wet pack, cold drinks, 
ice to surface, &c. 

Antiseptics arrest putrefaction. Carbolic, nitric, hy- 
drochloric, sulphuric, salicylic, and boric acids, corrosive 
sublimate, iodine, creosote, zinc and iron chlorides, iodo- 
form, ethereal oils, alcohol, eucalyptus, &c. Antiseptics 



32 MEDICINES AND THEIR CLASSES. 

may yet be discovered capable of checking the multipli- 
cation of septic germs in the blood and tissues, as they 
now do in a wound, or external to the body. (Dun.) 

Antispasmodics prevent or remove spasms. Sulphuric 
ether, valerian, asafetida, musk, castor and aromatic oils, 
alkaline bromides, salts of silver, zinc, and copper. 

Antizymotics not only arrest fermentation, but they 
destroy the several classes of ferments. Corrosive subli- 
mate, chlorine, iodine, bromine ; sulphurous, carbolic, 
boric, salicylic, and benzoic acids; many metallic solu- 
tions; temperatures above 200° F. 

Aperients. — See 'Purgatives.' 

Aphrodisiacs increase sexual appetite. When there is 
lack of vigor, the most rational treatment consists in the 
administration of tonics — iron, strychnine, &c. Canthar- 
ides is unsafe. 

Astringents contract the tissues with which they come 
in contact and diminish their secretions. Alum, lime, 
chalk, salts of the heavier metals, acids, and alcohol, with 
tannic acid and such tannin-containing substances as oak 
bark and catechu. 

Blisters. — Cantharides, glacial acetic acid, turpentine, 
strong ammonia, and boiling water. See ' Counter-irrita- 
tion.' 

Carminatives allay pain by causing the expulsion of 
flatus (gases) from the stomach and intestines. They are 
closely allied to antispasmodics. Chief among them are 
the various aromatic oils, with ginger, mustard, peppers, 
alcohol, ethers, and chloroform. Carbonic acid gas is 
neutralized by ammonia preparations ; sulphureted and 
carbureted hydrogen gases by solutions of chlorine or 
lime chloride. 

Cataplasms. — See ' Poultices.' 

Cathartics. — See ' Purgatives.' 

Caustics burn and disorganize the parts to which they 
are applied, causing sloughing. The most active are called 



MEDICINES AND THEIE CLASSES. 33 

escharotics ; they are also called corrosives. They consist 
of the concentrated mineral acids and alkalies, glacial 
acetic acid, carbolic acid, chromic acid, antimony chloride, 
arsenic, bromine, and the soluble salts of the heavy metals. 

Charges. — See ' Plasters/ 

Cholagogues. — See ' Purgatives.' 

Counter-Irritation is irritation of a healthy part to 
counteract irritation or disease of a contiguous part. Mus- 
tard, croton oil, tartar emetic, iodine, mercurial ointment, 
mercuric iodide, vinegar of cantharides, and water (nearly 
boiling). 

Demulcents soothe, soften, and ensheathe parts ; they 
act mechanically chiefly and resemble emollients. Gums, 
mucilage, linseed, cotton-wool and collodion, fullers' earth, 
starch, molasses, gelatin, albumin, fats, oils, glycerine, 
and milk. 

Deodorizers destroy smells. Chlorine, chloride of lime, 
carbolic, sulphurous, and cresylic acids, iodine dissolved 
in amyl-hydride, Condy's fluid, McDougall's powder, &c. 

Diaphoretics excite perspiration. They are uncertain 
as a class. They are all indirect agents ; some sedative, 
others excitant, and cannot therefore be used indiscrimi- 
nately in disease. Ammonia acetate solution, sweet spirit 
of niter, sulphuric ether, diluted spirits, jaborandi, ipecac, 
or. Dover's powder, warm or vapor baths — 100° to 120° F. 

Diluents.— All watery drinks are diluents. 

Disinfectants destroy the specific poisons of communi- 
cable diseases. Chlorine, chlorinated lime, carbolic acid, 
sulphurous acid, corrosive sublimate solutions, iodine, &c. 

Diuretics act on the kidneys and increase their secre- 
tions. Digitalis, alcohol, strophanthus, squill, strychnine, 
caffeine, broom, turpentine, juniper, copaiba, cantharides, 
nitrites, liquor potassae, potassium acetate, &c. Ball for 
horse — \ oz. each of niter, resin, and soft soap, daily for 
4 or 5 days. If it is desirable to increase the solid as 
well as the watery parts of the urine, add 10 or 15 grains 



3-4 MEDICINES AND THEIR CLASSES. 

of powdered digitalis. The same ingredients, dissolved in 
a pint of water, make a diuretic drink for the cow. 

Ecbolics expel the contents of the uterus; they cause 
abortion or hasten birth. Ergot, hydrastis, savin, and 
thuja. Ergot is the only one is general use. 

Emetics cause vomiting. Luke warm water, bitter in- 
fusions, solutions of salt, mustard, alum, ammonium car- 
bonate, copper and zinc sulphates ; tartar emetic, ipecac, 
-emetine, apomorphine, senega, squill. 

Emollients soften, soothe, and relax parts. They re- 
semble 'demulcents' (which see), and include many of 
the medicines specified in that class. Warmth or moder- 
ate heat, generated by fomentations, poultices, lint, flan- 
nel, or woolen cloth, and retained by a waterproof cover- 
ing, are a species of emollient. Fats, oils, lanolin, vaselin, 
paraffin, with soap and other liniments, are emollients. 

Emulsions are soft, smooth, milk-like mixtures of oil 
or resin, suspended in gum, soap, alkali, or white of egg. 

Expectorants aid in removing secretions from the air 
passages. Those of a depressant type are such as the an- 
timonials, alkalies in small doses, ipecac, lobelia, jabo- 
randi, apomorphine, and potassium iodide. The stimula- 
ting are such as the acids, ammonium salts, nux vomica, 
senega, squill, balsams, terebinthinates, sulphur, sulphur 
oils, and saccharines (sweets). 

Febrifuges. — See ' Antipyretics.' 

Fomentations are topical baths. They usually consist 
of water alone, but vinegar, salines, &c, are sometimes 
added. They are usually made with a sponge or soft rags, 
tow, or lint. The temperature ranges from 100°, 110°, 
120° F., and upward. 

Germicides destroy germs or bacteria. Sodium hydro- 
fluosilicate (recently discovered) is a cheap and safe ger- 
micide. (Dun.) Corrosive sublimate, chlorine, chlorina- 
ted lime, bromine, iodine, quinine, beberine, &c, are all 
good germicides, especially corrosive sublimate. 



MEDICINES AND THEIR CLASSES. 35 

Infusions are made by digesting vegetable substances 
or drugs in hot water (usually 1 part of drugs to 20 of 
water) 15 minutes to 2 hours. Avoid boiling. 

Lotions (washes) are watery solutions for external use, 
especially in chronic skin diseases. Strong lotions may be 
used as counter-irritants. Lotions for the eye are usually 
called collyria. 

Narcotics are soothers as well as stupefiers. Opium, 
morphine, ether, chloroform, aconite, belladonna, digitalis, 
hyoscyamus, stramonium, conium, &c. 

Plasters usually contain lead oxide, conjoined with 
resin, wax, soap, fats, tar, or pitch, spread on calico, 
linen, or leather. 

Poultices are made of linseed meal, bran, or oatmeal, 
stirred into boiling water until the fitting consistence is 
reached ; or of carrots or turnips, either steamed or boiled. 
Bread and starch make mild porous poultices for ab- 
scesses ; spent hops for light poultices. Apply in flannel 
bag or folded flannel. 

Purgatives evacuate the bowels. They are usually clas- 
sified as follows : Laxatives or Aperients — small doses of 
oil, magnesia, sulphur and molasses, with fruit, roots, and 
green vegetable food. Simple Purgatives — full doses of 
oils, aloes, and the various species of rhamnus. Drastic 
Purgatives — croton oil, colocynth, elaterium, gamboge, and 
podophyllin. Hydragogues — elaterium, gamboge, croton 
oil, &c, with large doses of the more active salines. 
Cholagogues — calomel and other mercurial preparations, 
aloes, jalap, podophyllin, and euonymin, for bile. Salines 
— (See ' Salines,' page 36.) Purgatives and other irritants 
should be used cautiously in the case of the horse. If 
possible, the animal should be restricted to mash diet or 
green food for 24 hours previous to taking a purgative. 

Refrigerants allay heat and thirst. Water, particles 
of ice, acidulated drinks, mild mucilaginous fluids, allay 
thirst and stimulate the secretion of saliva. 



36 MEDICINES AND THEIR CLASSES. 

Rubefacients cause slight redness of the skin and con- 
gestion. Ammonia solutions, mustard, iodine, mild prep- 
arations of cantharides, arnica, alcohol, ether, chloroform 
(if not allowed to evaporate), turpentine and many other 
volatile oils, with smart friction and moderate heat, such 
as that from a smoothing iron. The smoothing iron is 
good for rheumatism and enlarged joints. 

Salines contain a salt or have the properties of a salt. 
They consist of the neutral salts of the alkalies and alka- 
line earths, such as magnesium sulphate and citrate, sul- 
phate of soda, potassium tartrate and bitartrate, &c. As 
before said, 'magnesium sulphate,' is simply Epsom salt 
(commonly called 'salts'). 

Sedatives lessen the force and frequency of the heart's 
action. Aconite, veratrum viridi, and the antimonials ; 
also digitalis, lead acetate, opium, ergot, and tojncal ap- 
plications. 

Sialagogues increase the secretion of saliva. Acids, 
alkalies, ethers, mustard, ginger ; jaborandi, calabar bean, 
and their alkaloids ; mercury, tobacco, iodide of potassi- 
um, &c. 

Soporifics or Hypnotics induce sleep. Opium, mor- 
phine, alcohol hydrate, croton-chloral, hyoscyamus, can- 
nabis, bromides, &c. 

Stimulants. — Ammonium and its carbonate, alcoholic 
solutions, capsicum, nux vomica, ether, chloroform, oil of 
turpentine and other volatile oils, aromatic oils, camphor, 
opium and cocaine in small doses, &c. 

Styptics are astringents specially used to arrest effusion 
of blood from injured surfaces or vessels. They are (1) 
matico, tow, lint, or pressure ; (2) most astringents and 
caustics (which see) ; (3) ergot, digitalis, ether spray, lead 
acetate, ice, &c. 

Sudorifics. — See ' Diaphoretics.' 

Suppu rants inflame the deep seated skin tissues and 
bring pus. Euphorbium, croton oil, tartar emetic, mer- 



MEDICINES AND THEIR CLASSES. 37 

cury biniodide ointment; also cantharides, mustard and 
other active blisters, when repeatedly applied to the same 
spot. 

Tonics impart strength. Sulphuric acid, nitric acid, 
iron, iron and copper sulphates, arsenic, cinchona, quinine, 
quassia, cocaine, cod-liver oil, gentian, silver nitrate, zinc 
oxide, buchu, &c. Heart Tonics — digitalis and its alka- 
loids, casca (doom) and its active principle, erythrophloein, 
strophanthus hispidus, squill, caffeine, mix vomica, and 
strychnine. 

Vermicides. — See ' Anthelmintics/ 

Vermifuges. — See ' Anthelmintics/ 

Vesicants. — See ' Blisters/ 




Figure 1. The chief parts of the horse. 



1 Ears. 

2 Forelock. 

3 Forehead. 

4 Eye. 

5 Eye-pit. 

6 Nose. 

7 Nostril. 

8 Tip of Nose. 

9 Lips. 

10 Lower Jaw. 

11 Cheek. 

12 Poll. 

13 Mane. 

14 Withers. 

15 Parotid Gland 



16 Throat. 

17 Neck. 

18 Jugular Vein. 

19 Shoulder. 

20 Chest. 

21 Ribs. 

22 Back. 

23 Loins. 

24 Hip. 

25 Flank. 

26 Belly. 

27 Haunch. 

28 Thigh. 

29 Buttock. 

30 Stifle. 



31 Leg. 

32 Tail. 

33 Hock. 

34 Shank or Cannon 

35 Arm. [Bone. 

36 Knee. 

37 Place for Girth. 

38 Elbow. 

39 Shank. 

40 Bullet, 

41 Pastern. 

42 Coronet. 

43 Foot. 

44 Hoof. 

45 Fetlock. 



PART I. 



THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 



SIMPLE OR CONTINUED FEVER 

Is a comparatively mild and benign disease, lasting 
from two to eight days. It disturbs all or nearly all the 
chief functions of the body, occurs independently of local 
inflammation or blood contamination, and is common 
among horses brought into dealers' stables. 

Remedy. — Comfortable box ; fresh air and light ; quiet. 
Clothe body ; bandage legs ; mild laxative. Salines ; am- 
monium acetate solution ; potassium chlorate or nitrate ; 
spirit nitrous ether. Mash diet ; gruel ; diluents ; with- 
hold hard, dry food. Alcohol, ether, bitters,* acids; tonic 
as soon as acute symptoms abate. Catarrh, gastrointesti- 
nal or other special symptoms must receive appropriate 
treatment. (For doses, see pages 13 to 29.) 

ACUTE OR INFLAMMATORY FEVER 

Concurs with acute local inflammation. 

Remedy.— Aconite ; occasional bleeding in early stages 
in robust subjects. Aperients, salines, laxative injections. 
Attend to any wounds ; remove any causes of irritation. 

* Bitters are usually spirituous liquors in which bitter herbs or roots 
have been steeped, such as aloes, cascarilla bark, various cinchona barks, 
gentian, myrrh, nux vomica, quassia, &c. Combinations of acids and bitters 
have long been used in dyspepsia, the good effects of the latter being 
believed to result from their stimulating the movements of the stomach, 
and from their action on the liver, (Dun,) 



40 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

Warm clothing, but cool air to breathe. Warm bath or 
sponging with warm water. Sodium sulphite, sulpho- 
carbolates, resorcin, or other antiseptics and antipyretics. 
Alcohol and digitalis sustain heart tone. Salicylic acid 
and salicin in rheumatic fever. Acids and bitters allay 
thirst and aid digestion. Light, easily digested food; 
diluents ; salines in drinking water. For doses, see pages 
13 to 29. 

LOW OR TYPHOID FEVER 

Occurs in most epizootics in connection with blood con- 
tamination, in inflammation of mucous membranes, and 
in debilitated subjects. 

Remedy. — Mild laxatives and injections when required. 
Salines, acids, bitters, antiseptics. Quinine, especially in 
intermittent types. Arsenic in malarial cases. Alcohol, 
ethers, or volatile oils promote excretion and maintain 
heart action. Turpentine and iron salts for bleeding cases. 
Suitable clothing ; diet ; hygiene (preservation of health) ; 
sponging ; baths. For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

INFLUENZA, 

Also called Catarrhal Fever, Pink Eye, &c, is usually 
epizootic and, comet-like, appears at irregular intervals. 
Its worst visitation in North America perhaps was that 
of 1872-73. Little is known of the exact nature of the 
disease. It differs in form and symptoms as it appears 
in different localities and at different times. Kobertson 
describes four forms of the disease- — (1) simple catarrhal ; 
(2) pulmonary ; (3) intestinal catarrhal ; (4) rheumatic. 
Some of these forms may be caused by active living or- 
ganisms (mites). The disease is very infectious. Severe 
cases constitute pink eye. 

Symptoms. — Simple catarrhal: As before said, they 
differ, but there are usually shivering fits, more or less 
loss of appetite, sneezing, coughing) ;i. somewhat dry or 



INFLUENZA. 41 

staring coat, eyes watery, the conjunctive membrane some- 
times being of a clear pink color (pink eye) ; nasal mem- 
brane red and dry; pulse 60 to 70; temperature 104; 
dullness, debility, &c. These symptoms may steadily in- 
crease in severity. Euns its course in about 14 days. 

The pulmonary form, which is dangerous, may either 
follow or be independent of the simple form. It has three 




Fig. 2. Confirmed Influenza. 

forms — (1) capillary bronchitis ; (2) bronchitis with heart 
disease ; (3) pneumonia, or rather pleuro-pneumonia. 

The intestinal catarrhal form is sometimes so distinct, 
and one of its symptoms or complications is so evidently 
connected with the special functions of the liver, as to 
cause it to be called bilious fever. The symptoms resem- 
ble those of mild colic. 

The rheumatic form is usually a sequel to the simple 
catarrhal. The parts usually affected are the great ten- 
dons of the flexor muscles of the foot. 

Remedy. — Isolate patient and disinfect the premises. 
Comfortable box; temperature 60 to 65° F. ; pure air. 
Rugs, hood, bandage legs. Injections, linseed mashes and, 
if necessary, a laxative for bowels. Liquor ammoniae ace- 



42 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

tatis, Epsom salt, and niter for fever. Mash diet, with 
a little green food, till fever abates ; then digestible, con- 
centrated, nutritive food. 

Catarrhal symptoms treated by steaming head, medica- 
ted inhalations, or sprays. (See ' Catarrh.') Flannels 
wrung out of hot water and mustard, or other embroca- 
tions, to the throat relieve congestion of the upper air 
passages. Embrocations are fluid remedies for in-rubbing. 

Swelling symptoms, treated with salines and antiseptics, 
require early use of such stimulants as alcohol, ether, oil 
of turpentine, or ferric chloride solution. 

Pneumonic cases : Liquor ammonias acetatis, potassium 
nitrate or chlorate, and camphor. Fomentations to chest ; 
mustard applied, but washed off in 15 or 20 minutes; 
reapplied if necessary, or injection of Savary's mustard 
.extract. With salines give alcohol and ether, early, but 
in moderate doses, every three hours. 

Gastro-intestinal complications treated in earlier stages 
by a few doses of gray powder or calomel, conjoined with 
laxatives; in later stages by nitro-hydrochloric acid. Ab- 
dominal pain relieved by chloral and cannabis indica in- 
ternally, or by morphine hypodermically. 

Rheumatic symptoms : Salicylic acid, oil turpentine, 
diuretic doses of digitalis and salines, with stimulation of 
affected muscles and joints. Patients, if reduced, require 
milk, eggs, beef tea, and frequent alcoholic stimulants. 
(For doses, see pages 13 to 29.) 

STRANGLES (PU.S FEVER, COLT ILL), 

Is a common and well defined disease, but veterinarians 
are not agreed as to its exact cause or nature. It is at- 
tributed by some to a strepto-coccus, which settle on and 
irritate the nasal membrane. It is peculiar to but not lim- 
ited to young horses, and seldom occurs but once. The 
fever (Percivall calls it 'strangles fever') is nearly always 
followed by an abscess or abscesses in the space between 



STKANGLES. 43 

the branches of the lower jaw, involving the adjacent 
glands. The pus mites, it is said, are liable to be carried 
to and inflame other glands in the shoulder, groin, or 
internal organs. 

The disease is probably contagious, and is sometimes 
epizootic. It is well named, for it sometimes causes death 
by strangulation. Robertson describes two forms of it — 
"regular or benign," which is easily cured, if not self- 
curable, and "irregular and malignant," which is dan- 
gerous. It is disposed to run a 'regular' course, and 
should be aided rather than retarded. The tumor, when 




Fig. 3. Poultice and 8-tailed bandage for Strangles. 

ripe, may be lanced, or it may be allowed to burst nat- 
urally. Its most dangerous sequels are pus fever and 
purulent and putrid blood poisoning. 

Symptoms. — Usually mild catarrhal discharges; dull; 
cough, pickish appetite, throat sore, interfering with swal- 
lowing ; head pointed forward ; mouth hot and dry ; may 
be cutting the corner incisor teeth or the tushes; if so, 
make crucial incisions over them ; in doubt till tumor 
appears under the jaw; tumor steadily increases in size, 
becoming hard, defined, painful. 

In the irregular or complicated form there is sometimes 
a slight swelling at the jaw, but instead of maturing it 
recedes, and may attack the glands of the head, neck, 



44 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

chest, or even more remote parts, intensifying and mul- 
tiplying the symptoms. 

Remedy. — Good nursing; soft or green food. Perfect 
sanitary surroundings. Steam head where catarrhal symp- 
toms are troublesome. Fomentations or poultices hasten 
tardy abscesses. Sodium sulphite and potassium chlorate 
in the drinking water oppose fever and blood poisoning. 
Sweet spirit of niter and quinine also for blood poisoning. 
Cleanse discharging abscess daily with carbolic oil. Iso- 
late ; disinfect premises. Milk, eggs, beef tea, with ale 
or wine if the animal is weak. When at grass, shelter 
at night. For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

Tracheotomy affords instant relief, and is a safe op- 
eration. The incision is made at the point indicated in 
the annexed cut. Should it be made higher than this, 




Fig. 4. Performing the operation of Tracheotomy by Lamp Light 



the tube will interfere with the application of a poultice. 
Provided with a needle and thread, make a longitudinal 
incision three or four inches in extent down to the wind- 
pipe. After the windpipe has been pierced and the ani- 
mal is in some measure relieved, draw the thread through 



ERYSIPELAS. 45 

the part that is to be removed, so that it cannot be drawn 
inside and thus increase the impediment to breathing. 
After this, cnt out a circular piece of the tube about an 
inch in diameter — a part of two of the rings that com- 
pose the windpipe, not the whole of one — using a narrow 
bladed knife. Then insert a pewter, ivory, or box-wood 
tube, with shoulders, and holes through the shoulders, so 
that it may be fastened around the neck with strings. A 
piece of elder, three inches long, with notches cut in it, 
will answer the purpose. 

The tube will require to be taken out from time to 
time and cleansed. The animal should be watched and 
fed on well-made gruel. In time soft food may be given, 
and, should the case take a 
favorable turn, the tube may 
be removed. 

Should the violent effort nec- 
essary in coughing inconveni- 
ence the animal, on account 
of the partial escape of the air 
through the artificial opening, 
place the hand over it, and 
thus compel the escape of the 
breath through the larynx, the 
proper channel. Pig. 5. The tube in use. 

ERYSIPELAS 

Is a specific, febrile, inflammatory disease of the skin 
and its subjacent tissues. Erysipelas mites (strepto-coccus 
erysipelatous) are said to be present. The disease is some- 
times epizootic, and severe cases are frequently fatal. It 
"is peculiar to the hind legs. The swelling is diffuse and 
is accompanied with eruption and great pain. 

The disease differs from scarlet fever in that the swell- 
ing is uniform and firm, not in patches ; from purpura in 




46 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

that it is local and painful, not irregularly distributed and 
comparatively painless ; from acute farcy in that there 
are no corded lymphatics, and that the sores, when they 
exist, have no hard, circumscribed bases ; from lymphan- 
gitis in that there are vesicles, sloughing sores, gangrene, 
and sometimes structural changes in the membrane of the 
mouth and upper air passages ; also that it frequently 
begins in the region of the hock, not in the inguinal 
(groin) region. 

Remedy. — Aperients for irritation; aconite for fever. 
Salines, potassium chlorate, with spirit of camphor. Hot 
fomentations for several hours ; then moisten with borax 
solution and laudanum. Hypodermic injections of anti- 
septics sometimes limit swellings. Belladonna, internally 
and locally, paralyzes sensory nerves. Open all abscesses. 
Cleanliness, good sanitary surroundings, generous diet. 
Milk, eggs, beef tea, alcoholic stimulants. Ferric chlo- 
ride solution, externally and locally, especially in weak 
patients; also quinine. (For doses, see pages 13 to 29.) 

SCARLET FEVER (SCARLATINA), 

Is characterized by fleabite-like scarlet spots on the mu- 
cous membrane of the nose and mouth, scattered skin 
eruptions — sometimes suppurations— and sore throat and 
neck glands. It is a sequel of other diseases— epizootic 
catarrh, &c. Unlike human scarlatina, it is non-conta- 
gious. There are two forms— the simple, and the com- 
plicated and severe. In the former the pulse varies from 
GO to 70 ; in the latter 90 to 100, with great soreness of 
throat, a loud, moist cough, a yellowish-red mucous dis- 
charge from the nose and mouth after each cough. &c. 

Remedy.— Comfortable box; light, digestible, laxative 
food. Water, given with sodium sulphite and hyposul- 
phite, as antiseptics. Ammonium acetate, spirit nitrous 
ether and camphor in draught, thrice daily, abate fever. 
Medicines given in electuary when swallowing is difficult. 



PURPLE OR BLOOD FEVER. 



47 



Inhalation of hot water vapor, medicated with antiseptics or 
anodynes, relieve breathing. Fomentations, woolen cloths, 
soaked in hot water or hot oil, for sore throat. Fomen- 
tations with hot water, mixed with sulphurous acid, for 
external swelling. Gargles of potassium chlorate, borax, 
or sulphurous acid lessen discharge and fetor from mouth 
and throat. Daily rubbing with vaselin or glycerine and 
water removes scaling crusts. Small doses of alcoholic 
stimulants, acid solutions of quinine or iron salts help 
recovery. Eest, carefully regulated, nutritive diet during 
convalescence. (For doses, see pages 13 to 29.) 

PURPLE OR BLOOD FEVER (PURPURA 
H/EMORRHAGICA), 

Is an eruptive, intermittent, non-contagious fever, usu- 
ally, but not always, a sequel to another disease, as in- 
fluenza, catarrh, or strangles. Blood issues from the flea- 
bite-like spots on the mucous membranes and a bloody 
whey from the skin swellings. The latter are painful, 
hot, hard, and shining, with small spots on the uncolored 





Fig. 6. Head deformed by Purple 
Fever (Purpura Hemorrhagica). 



Fig. 1. Leg of horse suffering from 
same disease. 



surfaces. Vesicles about the size of a pea appear on the 
lower part of the limbs, and cracks at the flexures of the 



48 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

limbs, from which an unhealthy amber or purple colored 
discharge issues. The sheath, abdomen, breast, lips, nos- 
trils, eyelids, &c, swell. 

The disease is usually caused by blood contamination, 
but it may arise from defective drainage, ventilation, or 
bad food. 

Remedy. — Potassium chlorate, 3 or 4 drams, 2 or 3 
times daily ; then half doses ; usually given in drinking 
water. Iron salts, sulphate, perchloride ; quinine, oil of 
turpentine. Good hygienic conditions. Concentrated, 
nutritive diet ; oatmeal gruel, milk, eggs, alcoholic stim- 
ulants. Swellings, when limited and about head, bathed 
with cold water and refrigerants ; when about throat, body, 
and legs, hot fomentations preferable, especially in cold 
weather. Avoid scarification unless swellings are large 
and causing inconvenience. Scrupulous cleanliness and 
antiseptic dressings while skin is ulcerating or sloughing. 
Open windpipe if necessary. (For doses, see pages 13 
to 29.) 

BRAIN AND SPINAL CORD FEVER (CEREBRO- 
SPINAL FEVER OR MENINGITIS), 

Is a specific horse disease, characterized by congestion 
and inflammation of the brain and spinal cord and their 
nerve centers, causing paralysis, dizziness, and sudden 
falling to the ground. The neck and dorsal (back) mus- 
cles contract so violently as to sometimes draw the head 
back; the eyes are wild and injected, the head tossed 
about, &c. The disease is probably caused by a specific 
poison. It is often enzootic or epizootic, and always dan- 
gerous. In veterinary medicine 'enzootic' and ' epizootic ' 
correspond to ' endemic ' and ' epidemic ' in human med- 
icine. Enzootic diseases are local, and are confined to as 
well as peculiar to (if not the product of) certain districts. 
Epizootics are general, and may spread from country to 
country, like the terrible influenza epizootic of 1872-73. 



HOESE-POX AND DIPHTHEEIA. 49 

Remedy. — Slings if unable to stand. Full dose of 
aloes; salines, laxative clyster injections, and mash diet. 
Small, repeated doses of alcohol and quinine for prostra- 
tion. Counter-irritation to spine ; ammonia and soap lini- 
ments; ice bag to spine. If urine is not passed freely, 
use catheter. Chloral hydrate and atrophine hypodermic- 
ally relieve spasms and pain. Also ergotin and atrophine. 
Iron salts and strychnine for paralysis. (For doses, see 
pages 13 to 29.) 

HORSE-POX (VARIOLA EQU1N/E), 

Is. a specific, contagious fever, depending on a microbe 
(mite) affecting the skin and mucous surfaces, and pass- 
ing through papular, vesicular, and pustular stages. Eare. 
(Dun.) The fever is mild — continued or intermittent — 
and tends to self-cure. 

Remedy. — Salines; antiseptics internally, cooling, lax- 
ative diet. Borax and sulphurous acid solutions abate 
irritation of aphthae (roundish, pearl-colored vesicles) in 
mouth and throat. Lead subacetate solution, with glyc- 
erine and water, relieve skin eruptions. Isolate and dis- 
infect. (For doses, see pages 13 to 29.) 

DIPHTHERIA 

Is a specific fever, characterized by inflammation of the 
throat, accompanied by exudation and softening of mucous 
surfaces. Contagious. Affects horses and dogs occasion- 
ally. 

Remedy. — Ice sucked. Spray with chlorine, iodine, 
iodoform solutions. Ferric chloride tincture, internally 
and locally. Electuaries of boro-glycerine or glycerine of 
carbolic acid ; belladonna electuaries relieve congestive 
stage. Sodium sulphites and hyposulphites and sulpho- 
carbolates internally and locally. Salicylic acid and pilo- 
carpine aid in dissolving false membrane. Soft, nutritive 
food; eggs, beef tea, alcohol. For doses, s.ee pages 13 to 



50 THE DISEASES OF THE HO.RSE. 

29. Boro-glycerine, or boro-glyceride, is made of 92 parts 
of glycerine to 62 of boric acid. Glycerine of carbolic 
acid is made of 1 part of the acid to 4 of glycerine. 

A few fevers — more common to cattle than to horses — 
appear in Part II. 



RABIES 

Is a nervous, febrile disease, originating in the dog, 
occasionally in the cat, caused by a specific microbe (mite) 
in the saliva of the rabid animal. Pasteur has demon- 
strated that dogs and other animals inoculated with cul- 
tivated virus do not take the disease when bitten by a 
rabid dog, nor when inoculated with virus which would 
kill unprotected animals. He also claims that the culti- 
vated virus is usually protective, if used shortly after the 
bite. (Dun.) Speaking of Pasteur's experiments Williams 
says : " If rabies be not of sj^ontaneous origin, and if the 
experiments all turn out successful, there seems to be no 
reason why rabies should not be entirely extirpated." But 
he thinks the disease is sometimes spontaneous. He fur- 
ther says that Pasteur has succeeded " in rendering ani- 
mals absolutely proof against the poison of rabies." 

Symptoms. — The disease is manifested in a variety of 
ways. Sometimes there is great apparent distress, sudden 
perspirations, unruliness, stamping and pawing violently, 
and finally becoming frantic and dangerous. Sometimes 
the horse will bite the wound, tearing the skin off; in- 
tolerance of light, nervousness, eyes fixed and staring, 
pupils dilated ; ears worked ; saliva abundant. There are 
intervals of quiet between the fits, but they become shorter 
and the fits more dangerous. 

Remedy. — When the disease is developed, there is no 
cure, but excising the wound and then cauterizing it with 
caustic potash or silver nitrate may possibly prevent its 
development. 



SPASMS, CONVULSIONS, PAEALYSIS. 51 

SPASMS AND CONVULSIONS. 

Spasms are involuntary muscular contractions. When 
attended with pain, they are called cramp. When consist- 
ing of alternate contractions and relaxations, they are called 
clonic spasm. When the rigidity is permanent, they are 
called tonic spasm, as in lock-jaw. Convulsions are mus- 
cular spasms of comparatively greater severity and extent 
than ordinary or local spasms, but are essentially the same 
in nature. The cause of the disorder is probably nervous 
disturbance. The fibers of a spasmed muscle feel hard 
and are shortened and swollen. 

The disorder, which is rare, often attacks the hind 
legs, when it may be mistaken for spavin (concealed or 
not), hock disease, or patella dislocation. (The patella is 
the whirl-bone of the stifle joint. The whirl-bone corres- 
ponds to the knee-cap in man.) The duration of the 
cramp varies from minutes to hours and hours to days. 
Eelapses are common. Sometimes the disorder is of an 
epileptic character (fits). 

Symptoms. — When of a limb, sudden lameness; limb 
may be dragged, or there may be both hopping and drag- 
ging; hind leg may be caught up and thrown out in an 
awkward manner; standing position natural. 

Remedy. — For ordinary cramp of leg, exercise. Chlo- 
ral hydrate, 3 to 4 drams. Chloroform inhaled and swal- 
lowed. When of spinal origin, morphine subcutaneously 
(under the skin) ; spinal ice bag. When of cerebral (brain) 
origin, bromides or ammonia internally. Cold water or 
ice to head. When reflex, remove source of irritation. 
(For doses, see pages 13 to 29.) 

PARALYSIS (PARESIS, PALSY), 

Or loss of motor power, is a symptom of disease rather 
than disease itself. It is nevertheless of great importance, 
for it is dangerous. It is of four kinds — general, unilat- 



52 THE DISEASES OF T1IE HORSE. 

eral (one side), transverse (before or behind), and local. 
Trasever'se paralysis, on account of its intimate relation 
to the spinal cord, is often called ' spinal paralysis.' (Rob- 
ertson.) 

Paralysis is caused by falls or blows, fractures or inju- 
ries, especially of the spine; overwork, blood poisoning, 
grass staggers, the use of the vetch known as 'lathyrus 
sativus,' &c. When horses are quartered in low, wet, cold 
pastures, especially where there is stagnant water and cold 
air currents, the disorder is liable to become epizootic. 
The attack is usually sudden. The hind legs are very 
susceptible to the disorder. It often affects first one leg 
and then the other. The sense of feeling as well as mo- 
tion may be lost, which may be detected by pricks, pinches, 
or blows. 

Symptoms — If of hind quarters, horse down, strug- 
gling with fore feet to get up ; in extreme cases the rec- 
tum and bladder are also paralyzed ; evacuations may be 
retained, but oftener pass involuntarily; when retained, 
remove artificially. 

In complete paralysis of side, horse down on affected 
side ; in incomplete, can stand and even drag itself along ; 
head, neck, loins, and hind quarters incline to one side ; 
affected eye sunken ; ear lops ; lips pendulous and drawn 
aside ; drinking and mastication difficult. 

In paralysis of head, the face is distorted ; corners of 
mouth drawn- upward ; mastication impracticable ; sight 
affected, but eyes retain power of motion. The disease 
called glass eye may follow paralysis of the head. 

Remedy. — Rest, quiet. Light, digestible food. Salines, 
tonics. Friction, blisters, electricity, impart nervous and 
muscular tone. Potassium iodide and salines if dependent 
on pressure from fluid. Trephine and raise bone if from 
depression of cranial bones. Remove any gastric, uterine, 
or other local irritation, or blood contamination. Nux 
vomica and strychnine stimulate motor centers and nerves. 



TETANUS OR LOCK-JAW. 53 

When caused by embolism (blood clots or foreign bodies 
plugging vessels), or by thrombosis (escape of a fluid and 
the injury caused thereby) treat the first by rest, concen- 
trated, rather spare diet, and ammonia salts; the second 
by refrigerant applications or fomentations, bitters, and 
scarification when the swelling causes inconvenience. (For 
doses, see pages 13 to 29.) 

TETANUS (LOCK-JAW),* 

Has four forms. 1. Cramp of the muscles of the face 
and neck, causing the jaws to close ; the most common 
form. 2. Cramp of the muscles of the back and loins, 
causing elevation of the head and sinking of the loins. 
3. Bending the body and neck forward, with arching of 
the spine. 4. Bending the body laterally. 




Fig. 8. Testing Tetanus. When the head is raised the haw projects over 
the eye. 

The exact nature of the disease is still a matter of dis- 
.pute. Some horses seem to be predisposed to it. The 
nerve centers chiefly if not solely affected are the medulla 
oblongata and spinal cord. The medulla oblongata lies 
between and connects the brain and spinal cord. 

* Lock-jaw is only one of four different forms of Tetanus. This important 
fact should be borne in mind ; otherwise an intelligent diagnosis (determina- 
tion) of the disease is impossible. 



54 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

The disease is either acute or chronic. The acute form, 
which usually results from wounds, is rapid in its course 
and very dangerous. It is perhaps sometimes spontaneous 
and epizootic. It attacks young as well as old, and lasts 
from one to three or four weeks. When curable, the 
turn comes in about ten days. 

The disease has many causes. A nail in the foot, a 
mere tread, punctures, amputation of the tail, docking, 
saddle galls, castration, especially where caustic clamps 
are used ; intestinal irritation, either from foreign bodies 
or parasites ; sudden changes of temperature, especially 
after clijjping ; strychnine internally or injected ; in fact, 
any violence. It may occur even after a wound has healed. 
Dun says the " involuntary tonic (rigid) muscular spasms" 
of tetanus are probably caused by a microbe. The mites 
would cause irritation of course. 




Fig. 9. Feeding a liorse suffering with chronic Tetanus. A catheter passed 
through the nostril to the stomach; gruel pumpecMn. 

Symptoms. — First stage: Neck, back, and loins stiff; 
appetite lost ; swallowing difficult ; lips about natural ; 
discharge of saliva; jaws refuse to separate naturally; 
grinding of teeth ; nose elevated and slightly protruded ; 
facial muscles twitch ; excitable, irritable ; throws head 



TETANUS — MEGRIMS. 55 

up if touched; eyes watchful, brilliant, the haws, their 
natural shield, shooting across the eyeballs ; pulse little 
increased, but rather hard and incompressible. 

Second stage : Muscles cramped generally ; head drawn 
upward and backward, presenting deer-like aspect ; hence 
the name "stag-evil;" tail elevated and tremulous; limbs 
stretched ; countenance haggard, ghastly ; eyes wild, star- 
ing, protruded, haws shooting over balls, if excited ; other- 
wise dull and sunken; ears erect, rigid; nose protruded; 
nostrils dilated; gait hobbling; jaws more firmly locked, 
&c, &c. 

Third stage : Symptoms much the same, but intensified, 
and distress more general. Sometimes the windpipe is 
opened to prevent suffocation. Fatal. 

Remedy. — Put in dark box; perfect quiet; loosely in 
slings. Aloes, aided by nutritive mashes, gruel, molasses. 
Salines in drinking water, kept within reach. Will suck 
up sloppy food even when the jaws are closed. Foment 
or poultice wound ; remove any cause of irritation and 
apply anodynes. Powdered opium and cannabis indica 
extract, 30 grains each, softened by admixture of ammo- 
nium acetate solution, 3 times daily among molar teeth. 
Bromides and chloral hydrate give temporary, sometimes 
permanent relief. (For doses, see pages 13 to 29.) 

MEGRIMS (VERTIGO, DIZZINESS, STAGGERS), 

Is brain disturbance (cerebral congestion). Its. usual 
cause is tight or badly fitting collars. This seems to be 
proved by the fact that horses subject to it are free of it 
if worked with a band across their breast; further, by 
the fact that loosening the collar soon stops a fit. If the 
collar is not loosened manually, the horse will plunge 
about till it falls, and thus loosen it itself. The disease 
has other causes, such as general plethora (too much blood) 
increased action of the heart, disturbed vaso-motor (vessel 
movement) activity, &c. 



56 



THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 



Symptoms. — Stops suddenly; shakes head either from 
side to side or upward and downward ; head sometimes 
turned aside; head and throat vessels distended, their 




Fig. 10. Characteristic look after repeated attacks of Megrims. 



respective muscles twitching rapidly ; eyes stare ; nostrils 
dilated ; breathing rapid or stertorous ; fore legs often 
wide apart, as if for support ; skin damp from perspiration. 
Remedy. — Treat as above stated. Cold water on head. 
Walking exercise. Hand-rubbing of body and legs. Mod- 
erate bleeding or physic sometimes useful. 

LYMPHANGITIS OR WEED (SWELLED LEGS), 

Is inflammation of the lymphatic glands, absorbent ves- 
sels and blood vessels, especially of the legs. It is pecu- 
liar, as the name indicates, to lymphatic temperaments. 
It is attributed to general disturbance of function, especi- 
ally digestion and assimilation. Overfeeding and idleness, 
cold and wet, nails in the feet, inherent tendency, he- 
redity, &c, are predisposing causes. The blood abounds 
in serum (a greenish yellow fluid). The second day after 
it is drawn the clot will swim in it. In repeated attacks 
the skin becomes thick and rough, as in ' elephantiasis.' 
Sometimes abscesses dot the limb, especially the inner 



LYMPHANGITIS OR WEED. 57 

part. In chronic cases the lymph glands are sometimes 
filled with calcareous material, grating when cut into. 

The swelling of the limb is sudden, and usually reaches 
its hight in from 24 to 48 hours, remaining stationary 
equally long before declining. Any limb is susceptible to 
the disease, but it is a curious as well as interesting fact 
that the one usually affected is the left hind leg. 

Symptoms. — Leg swollen, tolerably firm, hot, painful 
and sometimes moist, the swelling being from above down- 
ward ; when severe, drops of a yellowish fluid bedew the 
skin ; fever active, and sometimes ushered in by shivering 
fits ; pulse 75 to 95, the artery being tense and cord-like 
in severe cases the breathing is hurried, short, catching 
internal temperature increased from two to five degrees 
mouth clammy ; bowels inclined to be confined ; urine — 
not at first increased in quantity — is of a higher specific 
gravity than natural ; appetite more or less impaired, with 
increased desire for fluids; slight restlessness, sometimes 
simulating colicky pains ; anxious countenance ; looks 
back repeatedly. 

Remedy. — Bleed robust subjects and where fever is 
acute. Purge, laxative injections, and salines in drinking 
water. Bran mashes. Aconite for acute fever. Hot fomen- 
tations for several hours ; then swathe legs lightly in woolen 
or hay bandages. If tender and painful, moisten with 
soap liniment and laudanum. Clothe well in cold weather. 
Stimulants where preliminary rigor is severe or continued. 
Exercise is injurious during acute symptoms, but service- 
able later. 

In hard-worked and debilitated subjects, bleeding and 
aconite unsuitable. Give them a half dose of physic and 
salines ; foment leg ; turpentine and alcoholic stimulants. 

Aid reduction of swelling by exercise, followed by mod- 
erate work. Smart friction of leg daily, with oil. Diu- 
retics and tonics ; iodine or potassium iodide internally ; 
laxative diet and green food. 



58 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

Careful regulation of food, work, and rest diminish the 
chances of relapses. (For doses, see pages 13 to 29.) 

HERNIA (RUPTURE), 

Is a tumor or enlargement in any part of the body, 
caused by the protrusion, by rupture, of a viscus or part 
through its natural cavity. When the part can be re- 
turned to its proper cavity, the hernia is called ' reduci- 
ble ; ' when it cannot, it is ' irreducible ; ' Avhen it in- 
terferes with the circulation, it is 'strangulated.' The 
kind or name of the hernia depends on the part affected. 
The most common and important kind is 

INGUINAL (GROIN) AND SCROTAL HERNIA. 

It occurs in stallions, but is rare in geldings. It is 
comparatively rare in this country and England, but in 
France, Germany, India, Arabia, &c, where castration is 
but little practiced, it is common. The causes are over- 
straining of any kind, kicks, &c, but the latter is very 
rare. It rarely exists on both sides at once. It is peculiar 
to the right. Sometimes it is imperceptible, the small 
intestines, which are the cause of it, not protruding fur- 
ther than the inguinal canal. In this case feel for them. 
When the intestines descend to the scrotum, the hernia 
is called ' scrotal hernia/ Castration is necessary to a 
permanent cure. 

When the hernia is imperceptible, the following are the 

Symptoms. — Indisposition to work; head erected; ap- 
petite impaired ; pain succeeding, animal breathes deeply, 
paws, and assumes various postures for relief. Sometimes 
the horse seems to be suffering from fatigue ; at length 
pulse becomes thready ; eyes reddened and pupils dilated ; 
inflammation causes slight colic. 

The symptoms of scrotal hernia are very distinct, but 
as the disorder is visible and the services of a surgeon 
are necessary, a description of them is superfluous. A 



NAVEL AND BELLY HERNIA — FISTULA. 59 

case is recorded wherein the scrotum hung down nearly 
to the hocks. 

Sometimes hernia follows castration, caused by straining 
perhaps. Frequently it is congenital, disappearing in from 
three to six months. It may exist in the fetus (foetus.) 

Remedy. — Cast, and return the bowel by hand, and if 
need be by application of ice or refrigerants. If this fails, 
enlarge constricting ring. Covered castration operation in 
stallion. 

UMBILICAL (NAVEL) HERNIA 

Is protrusion of a part of a bowel through the navel. 
It is peculiar to the young, and is common in breeding- 
districts. Many require no treatment at all; others do, 
for they sometimes cause death. In serious cases send for 
a veterinary surgeon. 

Remedy. — Fast for several hours; cast, place on the 
back, and return the protruded part. Eetain in position 
by stitches, clamps of wood or iron, skivers or elastic lig- 
ature. Cantharides blister applied to adjacent skin causes 
swelling, and in slight cases shuts up opening. 

VENTRAL (BELLY) HERNIA 

Is caused by kicks, staking, the thrust of a horn, or 
other violence. It is rarely dangerous. When small and 
recent, the opening is usually closed by a blister. When 
necessary, after returning the part, cut down and stitch 
the opening. 

Cases of artificial anus are recorded in both belly and 
navel hernia. Hernia of the bladder is recorded. It was 
as large as a man's fist, and was separated from and hung 
below the scrotum. 



FISTULA, 

A narrow, suppurating canal, may be internal or ex- 
ternal, superficial or deep-seated, complete or incomplete, 



60 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

that is, have an external or internal opening only, or 
both. The canal may be short or a foot or more in length. 
Fistulas (pleural of fistula) are caused by diseased bone, 
cartilage, tendon, &c, and are hard to heal. 

Remedy. — Before pus is formed, reduce inflammation 
with cold water to the part; then iodine and a purge; 
do not puncture. After pus is formed, enlarge the canal 
with a knife ; pass seton or otherwise provide dependent 
opening. Remove diseased bone or other irritant. En- 
courage healing of wound from below. Where the knife 
is unsuitable, inject saturated solution of corrosive subli- 
mate, or sulphate of copjjer or zinc. Where milder treat- 
ment fails, slough out ulcerating surfaces and secreting 
walls with corrosive sublimate or arsenic plug. Dress with 
carbolic acid or other antiseptic. (For doses, see pages 13 
to 29.) 

POLL-EVIL 

Is a fistulous ulcer at the poll of the neck, near the 
ears. From a simple swelling it develops into a tumor, from 
a tumor into an abscess, and from an abscess into deep- 
seated, chasm-like ulcers. It is caused by tight bearing- 




Fig. 11. Poll-Evil; ready for operation. 

reins, blows, bruises, pressure, friction, &c. A stiff and 
hard halter or other head-gear or collar may cause fric- 



FISTULA IJST THE WITHERS. 61 

tion, and a low door-way or loft floor may cause bruises. 
The disease is slow and hard to cure. It will penetrate 
to the bone, and has been known to cause pressure upon 
the brain. 

As poll-evil is the result of mismanagement, its best 
remedy is the avoidance of the cause. For remedy, see 
' Fistula' (page 60). 

FISTULA IN THE WITHERS, 

Like poll-evil, is the result of mismanagement and in- 
juries. The withers are usually injured by saddles, har- 
ness-pads, and collars. In chronic cases, or what may be 
called the third stage, the disease will penetrate to and 
cause disease of the bone, as in poll-evil. 

The first stage of the fistula is a tumor. It may be 
swelled, hot, and tender, or it may be indolent, mani- 
festing neither heat nor tenderness. The former requires 
a cooling lotion, applied with linen; the latter, which 
usually has an eschar (crust or scab) on its summit, re- 
quires a bagged bran poultice, confined by a surcingle. 




Fistulous Withers ; worst stage. 



The formation of pus may be called the second stage 
of the disease. Some of the sinuses or holes are of such 
depth that ordinary probes are useless. When practicable, 
the abscess should be laid open, to afford vent for the 
pus. When not practicable, a counter-opening may ac- 



G2 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

complish this purpose. When practicable, setons in the 
fistulous canals will not only keep the apertures open, but 
will aid healthy granulation. Carious bone, cartilage, or 
ligament should be removed. 
Remedy. — See 'Fistula/ 

FISTULOUS PAROTID DUCT 

Is rare. It is a sinuous opening, communicating with 
the interior of the duct, through which saliva is dis- 
charged, especially during mastication. In chronic cases 
the duct becomes so enlarged by the accumulation of saliva 
that, instead of being comparable to a goose quill, it will 
admit the finger. The situation of the fistula may be the 
angle of the bone, the inner border of the jaw, or the 
side of the cheek. The discharge of saliva proclaims the 
nature of the case. The causes of the disease are abscess 
of the gland, strangles (the disease), and injuries of all 
kinds. 

Remedy. — Percivall cured two cases with the follow- 
ing injection : Lunar caustic, \ dram ; nitric acid, 1 
dram ; distilled water, 1 ounce. Judging by experience, 
he recommends that the quantity of water be doubled. 
In the second case treated by him, the gland was de- 
stroyed. Distilled water is made as follows : Take of water 
10 gallons; distill 2 pints of impurities and throw them 
away; then distill 8 gallons. Put in glass bottles. Dis- 
tillation is the operation by which, with the aid of heat and 
closed vessels, the volatile or liquid parts of bodies are sep- 
arated from the fixed or solid. Distillation is purification. 

FISTULA OF THE ANUS, 

When on account of the friction caused by the action 
of the muscles of the tail, is greatly benefited by confin- 
ing the tail to a rope fastened around the neck, the same 
as horse dealers do when they link their horses together 
for traveling. (Percivall.) 



DIABETES, RHEUMATISM. 63 

DIABETES (POLYURIA), 

Is a complex morbid condition, originating in or closely 
connected with certain disturbances in the process of as- 
similation, evidenced by excessive secretion of urine, great 
and persistent thirst, rapid emaciation and loss of energy, 
and in one form (the serious) characterized by the pres- 
ence of saccharine (sugar) material in the urine. (Rob- 
ertson.) Musty oats or hay, badly saved fodder, malted 
barley, impure water, &c, are predisposing causes. A 
horse has been known to drink 38 gallons of water in 5 
hours. (Percivall.) 

Remedy. — Half close of physic. Iodine with potassium 
iodide. With iodine alternate or conjoin iron salts. Chalk 
or whiting in manger for acidity. Phosphoric acid and 
bitters lessen thirst. Change food. Moderate supply of 
water, with which mix sodium bicarbonate and wheaten 
flour or oatmeal. (For doses, see pages 13 to 29.) 

RHEUMATISM 

Is an inflammation of the fibrous structures of the joints, 
tendons, ligaments, sheaths of muscles, or of the heart 
and closed cavities, caused by a specific condition of the 
blood, and accompanied by fever, stiffness, and lameness. 
It is shifting or erratic in its character. (Williams) It 
is believed to depend on the accumulation in the body of 
some product of nutritive derangement, probably lactic 
(milk) acid. (Dun.) Cold, dampness, predisposition, the 
debility caused by other diseases, and heredity are its chief 
causes perhaps. 

Remedy. — Alkalies, potassium bicarbonate and nitrate 
in drinking water. Ammonium acetate and colchicum. 
Hot fomentations or flannels wrung out of hot water or 
oil to affected parts. Then moisten with aconite, opium, 
or other anodynes. When acute symptoms abate, quinine, 
arsenic, Donovan's solution internally. Quiet, comforta- 



64 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

ble quarters. Flannels soaked with hot oil and alkaline 
solutions, kept on for 1 or 2 hours, for stiffness and swell- 
ing. Then soap liniment. Light work. If mild reme- 
dies fail, apply cantharides ointment. Actual cautery 
sometimes required in chronic articular (joint) rheumatism. 
No bleeding. (For doses, see pages 13 to 29.) Actual cau- 
tery means the application of a red hot iron. 

BARRENNESS. 

Remedy. — Change diet and surroundings. Exercise. 
Alteratives ; potassium iodide ; phosphorus and canthar- 
ides, small doses. Gradual reducing of fat, plethoric sub- 
jects. Good diet and tonics for debilitated. Dilate os 
uteri if it be impervious. Change male. (For doses, see 
pages 13 to 29.) The 'os uteri' is the mouth of the 
womb. 



DROPSIES, 

Says Percivall, may arise from general or local plethora, 
obstructed circulation, deficient absorption, or a thin or 
watery condition of the blood. They are either external 
or internal, acute or chronic. External dropsy is a col- 
lection of watery fluid in the cellular membrane beneath 
the skin. In internal dropsy the fluid fills the cavities 
of the body — the chest, belly, head, &c. 

Dropsy is the result of vascular (vessel) disturbance. 
Vascular disturbance is therefore the exciting cause of 
dropsy ; debility is the predisposing cause. 
• " Turned out " horses are often dropsical. They ex- 
change a warm atmosphere for a cold and moist one, a 
generous for a low diet, and sometimes wholesome for 
unwholesome water. 



05 



DROPSY OF THE ABDOMEN OR PERITONEUM 
(ASCITES), 

The peritoneum is a watery membrane lining the ab- 
dominal cavity. Anything that disturbs its healthy action, 
such as disease of the liver, heart, kidneys, spleen, or 
omentum (a prolongation of the peritoneum) ; improper 
or insufficient food, exposure to cold, &c, may cause 
dropsy. It is sometimes complicated with hydrothorax 
and dropsy of the pericardium — a sequel sometimes of the 
latter. The pale, straw-colored fluid — aggregating gallons 
— is sometimes mixed with flakes of lymph. The disease 
is peculiar to the young rather than the old. 

Symptoms. — Dull; if in the field, alone; appetite and 
general condition bad ; disposed to rest ; abdomen becomes 
gradually pendulous ; pulse weak and rather frequent ; 
membranes blanched. These symptoms may become in- 
tensified and multiplied, the swelling extending to the 
limbs, &c. When the liver is much diseased, the urine 
is always scanty and biliary ; when the kidneys are dis- 
eased, it is charged with albumen. 

Remedy. — Diuretics, salines, oil of turpentine. Digi- 
talis in heart complications. Combat liver complications. 
(See liver diseases.) Tapping gives relief. 

Shelter, good food, some exercise. Cautious use of prep- 
arations of iron. When bowels confined, moderate doses 
of aloes at long intervals, or sulphate of soda steadily. 
For albumen in urine, perchloride or sulphate of iron, 
with dilute sulphuric acid, alternated with solution of 
iodine or iodide of potassium — one in morning, other at 
night — using diuretics, if at all, sparingly. Eemove local 
swelling by fomentation, smart friction, with simple oil, 
and moderate exercise. For chronic, debilitated cases, 2, 
3, or even 4 ounces cod-liver oil, twice a day, mixed with 
4 or 5 eggs. (For doses, see pages 13 to 29.) 



66 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

DROPSIES, GENERAL (ANASARCA), 

Swell the legs, sheath, breast, belly, lips, eyelids, &c. 
They are often the result of either constitutional disease 
or deficiency and poverty of blood. They are external — 
beneath the skin — but in chronic cases there may be in- 
ternal accumulations also, and sometimes sympathetic in- 
flammation of the air passages. The latter is a very dan- 
gerous complication. The swellings have a soft feel and 
pit on pressure. Dullness, loss of appetite, strength, and 
flesh, short and difficult breathing, and frequent and in- 
distinct pulse are characteristic symptoms. 

Remedy. — Turkish baths. Digitalis infusion and strych- 
nine are useful in most dropsies, especially in dropsy of 
the heart, in which give with salines. Copaiba in heart 
and liver cases. Laxatives and potassium iodide in kid- 
ney cases. Encourage vicarious functions of bowels and 
skin in kidney cases. Iron and salines for lack of blood. 
Friction, shampooing, external stimulants. Draw off water 
with trocar. Also with aspirator (injection-like syringe). 
Acupuncture (the introduction of needles into the living 
tissues for remedial purposes.) 

For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

DROPSY OF THE SCROTUM (HYDROCELE), 

Is rare. 

Remedy. — Evacuate by trocar and canula. Injection 
of iodine or other astringent solution. 

SEROUS ABSCESS 

Is a kind of dropsy. It is usually situated on the outer 
side of the thigh, in front of the stifle, the breast, the 
shoulder, and the arm. Though circumscribed, the ab- 
scesses are occasionally of considerable size. Their shape 
is ovoid, flattened upon the surface. They have a soft, 
fluctuating feel, and, when punctured, emit a jet of straw- 



GLANDERS AND FARCY. 67 

colored fluid, very like the serum (water or whey) of the 
blood. They are caused by blows or other contusions. 
Percivall suggests that there may be another kind of serous 
abscess — one that arises spontaneously. 

Remedy.— Do not attempt to disperse these tumors. 
Lance them. Inject with one of the following mixtures : 
1. White vitriol, 1 scruple ; distilled water, 1 ounce. 2. 
Lunar caustic, 1 scruple ; distilled water, 1 ounce. Or 
pass a seton through the enlargement. After the injec- 
tion, or after the withdrawal of the seton, a compress and 
roller will agglutinate the sides of the cavity. The seton 
should be retained only till healthy pus is produced. In 
some cases, especially where a bandage cannot be kept on 
nor a seton be inserted, sloughing the sac with a sharp 
escharotic (caustic), such as powdered blue vitriol, is the 
best means of cure. (Percivall.) 



GLANDERS AND FARCY 

Is a malignant, contagious, and fatal disease, due to 
the introduction into the animal economy, or of genera- 
tion within it, of a virus (said by Dr. Struck of Berlin 
to consist of an organism, the ' Bacillus mallei/ about the 
same size as those of tuberculosis), which, infecting the 
whole system, shows specific effects on the nasal mem- 
brane, the lungs, and' the lymphatic glands and ducts. 
It originates spontaneously in the horse, ass, and mule, 
and is transmissible to sheep, goats, dogs, cats, mice, and 
rabbits ; also to man, in whom the virus seems to increase 
in malignancy. Cattle, swine, and fowl resist it, even 
when inoculated. It may occur under at least four forms- 
acute and chronic glanders; acute (bud) and chronic 
(button) farcy. (Williams.) 

Old age, bad food and management, overwork, exhaust- 
ing diseases, such as diabetes insipidus ; specific miasmatic 



6$ THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

or animal poisons, especially those of overcrowded stables, 
&c, are believed to be predisposing causes of glanders. 

The discharge from the nostrils caused by caries of the 
nasal bones and the roots of the upper molar teeth (the 
back molars), is sometimes mistaken for glanders. Tins 
need not be if the following facts are noted : In glanders 
the discharge, at first, is never fetid ; in caries it is always 
fetid. In glanders, however, the discharge becomes very 
offensive in the course of time. The latter fact is very 
valuable in a diagnostic point of view. 

When described as distinct diseases, glanders is said to 
affect the nasal membrane, farcy the skin. 

Remedy. — Dress farcy buds with mercuric iodide oint- 
ment or stick of silver nitrate. Sodium hyposulphite ; 
iron and copper sulphates ; arsenic internally. Liberal 
diet; exercise desirable, except in acute cases. Isolate 
from healthy animals; disinfect. Treatment only pallia- 
tive. Better slaughter. (For doses, see pages 13 to 29.) 



OSTEOPOROSIS (HARDENING), 

Consists in the excessive development of the tissues 
which occupy the canals and cells of bones, while at the 
same time the actual quantity of bony matter remains 
unaltered. (Rokitansky.) From perverted nutrition the 
bones are thus swollen and brittle. The cartilaginous 
tissues, and even the teeth, undergo similar degeneration. 
The disease occurs in horses, cattle, and sheep. 

Incurable. Prevention consists in furnishing food con- 
taining a proper proportion of all the elements of nutrition. 



FLYBLOW (Magots from), 

If neglected, may result in death. Sheep suffer more 
perhaps than horses. 

Remedy. — Turpentine; tar oil; corrosive sublimate 
solution. 



69 



RICKETS (RACHITIS), 

Is faulty development and softening (causing bending) 
of the bones of young animals, depending on disordered 
nutrition of the osseous (bony) tissue ; in fact, to the mal- 
assimilation and non-development of the materials neces- 
sary to the formation of 
bone — namely, phosphate 
and carbonate of lime. 

Eickets appears when 
the patient is a few weeks 
or months old, and is caus- 
ed by constitutional debil- 
ity, scrofulous taint, or by 
external and preventable 
causes. Thus we find it 
in calves that are not al- 
lowed to suckle their moth- 
er, and in foals that suckle 
but two or three times a 
day, the mother being at 
work. Young animals fed 
on artificial food instead of 
milk, and not allowed prop- 
er exercise, or reared under 
any unnatural conditions, 
are liable to become rick- 
ety. 

Remedy. — Nourishing diet. Milk, crushed oats, with 
.linseed, for horses, cattle, sheep, swine. Milk, meat soup, 
cod-liver oil for dogs. In sucking animals, see to quality 
and quantity of milk. An aperient or antacids will rec- 
tify digestive derangement. Calcium phosphate ; Parrish's 
food ; iron salts ; healthy surroundings. Splints and ban- 
dages if needed. (For doses, see pages 13 to 29.) 




Fig. 13. Rickets in humerus ef dog 



DISEASES OF THE AIR PASSAGES. 



The air passages are the nostrils, the larynx, the wind- 
pipe and its ramifications, and the bronchial tubes. The 
horse, on account of the great size of the soft palate, can- 
not breathe through its mouth. The chambers of the nose 
are therefore exposed to noxious effluvias in the air, Avhile 
the mouth is exempt. This difference from man in struc- 
ture and economy probably accounts for the proneness of 
the horse to pulmonary affections. The nasal membrane 
should be frequently inspected. In health it displays a 
dotted, shining, humid aspect, of a more or less flesh 
color. Mucus is a sign of disease. 

CATARRH, 

An unhealthy discharge from the nose, in the membrane 
of which it has its seat, is usually if not invariably the 
result of cold— that is, cold that causes unusual suffering. 
Percivall says that catarrh is much oftener the result of 
transition from cold to heat than from heat to cold ; also 
that horses kept in the open air altogether are hardly 
susceptible to catarrh. 

The disease is peculiar to young horses and is sometimes 
epizootic. It is common, but it is usually harmless. How- 
ever, it should not be neglected, for it may lead to bron- 
chitis, nasal gleet, roaring, &c. 

Simple and Febrile Symptoms. — Sneezing; redness 
and dryness of nasal membrane ; watery, irritating dis- 
charge, becoming in a few days turbid, yellowish, and 
irregular ; redness of conjunctival (eye) membrane ; copi- 
ous tears; hanging head; yawning; heat and pain over 



CATAEEH. 



71 



frontal sinuses ; small, loose, diffuse swellings under jaw ; 
sometimes coughing, with or without soreness of throat; 
varying degrees of fever, dullness, and debility; staring 
coat; rigors or shivering fits; surface temperature now 
elevated, now depressed ; internal temperature elevated 3 
or 4 degrees ; pulse and breathing quickened ; appetite 
diminished. As the acute symptoms subside, the disease 
becoming subacute or established as' it were, the animal 
improves. In some cases the symptoms are much more 
severe than above described, sometimes threatening suffo- 
cation. 




Fig. 14. Steaming apparatus for Catarrh, Bronchitis, &c. 

Chronic Symptoms. — The discharge is considerably 
altered in character, and is for a time at least less in 
quantity; but the quantity varies — more one day than 
another. Sometimes the discharge is white and glairy ; 
sometimes a yellow mixture of pus and mucus; in rare 
cases, opaque, thin, dirty-looking mucus ; appetite good , 
but animal lacks bloom, vigor, vivacity ; coat open ; skin 
scurfy; nasal membrane rather soft, blanched, thickened, 
and less vascular-looking, and of a slate or leaden hue. 

Remedy. — Simple form: House comfortably; clothe 
body and head; bandage legs. Temperature 60 to 65° F. 
Steam head with vapor of water alone, or medicated with 
antiseptic or anodyne. Warm or vapor bath ; dry quickly 



72 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

and reclothe ; mash diet or green food ; laxative injec- 
tions; purge if necessary. Ammonia acetate solution; 
potassium nitrate and chlorate; other saline electuaries. 
Hot fomentations ; stimulating embrocations to throat. 

Chronic form : Isolate ; rest or light work ; if the coat 
is rough, clip or singe. Arsenic, iron, copaiba, terrebene 
improve general condition. Inhalation or spray of sul- 
phurous or carbolic acid or iodoform. Astringent nasal 
douche or spray; blister over nasal sinuses. (For doses, 
see pages 13 to 29.) 

SORE THROAT (LARYNGITIS), 

Is a rather common, rapid, and dangerous disease. The 
inflammation usually extends to the pharynx and contigu- 
ous parts. The swelling and mucous accumulations some- 
times cause death by suffocation. The causes are the same 
as those of catarrh and bronchitis, and most of the effects 
and complications are the same also. Long-continued and 
hacking coughs are frequently present. 

Eobertson divides the disease into two forms — catarrhal 
and swollen. He also speaks of a chronic form, consisting 
of muscular wasting and degeneration, with adventitious 
growth and changes of inherent tissue — the same as in 
roaring. 

Symptoms. — Head elevated and protruded; more oi 
less difficulty in swallowing; ropy and tenacious saliva; 
cough at first hard and rather sonorous; as the disease 
advances and the secretion increases, it is less resonant, 
rather suppressed, and emitted with evidence of pain. 
More or less fever; restless; stamps, tosses head, pulls 
backward. Pulse high, eyes prominent, legs and ears cold. 
Spasms of the larynx sometimes occur, followed by great 
difficulty in breathing, loud, shrill, trumpet-like sounds, &c. 

Purplc-hued nasal membrane, difficulty in breathing, 
stupor, anxiety, restlessness, &c., according to Robertson, 
are characteristic of the swollen form of laryngitis, 



SOKE THKOAT — NASAL GLEET. 73 

Remedy. — Comfortable box and clothing; protect from 
drafts ; moist atmosphere of 60 to 70° F. Steam head 
and throat persistently with medicated vapor ; heat and 
moisture externally. Aconite and laxatives abate fever in 
early stages of acute attacks. Emetics relieve fever and 
difficult breathing in dogs and pigs. Ammonium acetate 
solution, camphor, and belladonna confections. Benzoin, 
sulphurous acid, iodine, or chloroform as inhalation, spray, 
or confection. Salicylic acid and potassium chlorate as 
confection every hour where swelling is great. Counter- 
irritants — soap and opium liniment, mustard, cantharides. 
Tube in windpipe if necessary. 

Chronic form : Alum, ferric chloride, sulpho-carbolates, 
or tannic acid as confection or spray. Belladonna and 
camphor, with glycerine and water, as anodyne gargle. 
Thickening of mucous membrane treated by potassium 
iodide and counter-irritants. Essence of mustard hypo- 
dermically. Ulceration of the opening of the glottis (rima 
glottidis) treated with silver nitrate. 

For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

NASAL GLEET (OZENA OR OZCENA), 

Is usually preceded by an inflammatory or catarrhal at- 
tack, but it may occur spontaneously. It is more likely 
to follow chronic than acute catarrh. . It is peculiar to 
adult or old horses rather than young. It is sometimes 
mistaken for glanders. 

In most cases the discharge, which is usually from both 
nostrils, continues long after inflammation has ceased. It 
is more mucous than purulent, is remarkably white, and 
about as thick as cream. Sometimes it is smooth and 
uniform ; sometimes lumpy ; at others it is yellow, and 
seems to contain more pus than mucus. Sometimes it will 
collect about the nostrils and be ejected, in pretty regu- 
lar succession, in flakes or masses. Again it is irregular, 
ceasing for a while, as if cured, then returning in double 



74 THE DISEASES OF THE HOUSE. 

or treble the quantity. Sometimes the lower jaw glands 
are swollen, sometimes not. Sometimes there is an offen- 
sive smell, sometimes not. The nasal membrane becomes 
pallid and leaden-hued, but is free from pus or ulcers. 
Health, spirits, and appetite good. (Percivall.) 




Fig. 15. Injecting for Nasal Gleet. Holes made by trephine. 

Remedy. — Sulphurous acid, iodine, iodoform inhala- 
tions. Nasal douches of salt and water, with a few drops 
of iodine tincture. Bleaching powder scattered in box. 
Copper or iron sulphates, arsenic, turpentine, buchu, co- 
paiba, internally. Blister over sinuses. Remove bad teeth. 
When other treatment fails, trephine siuusus ; after re- 
moving as much pus as possible, wash out with antisep- 
tics. Isolate all horses with suspicious nasal discharges. 

For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

ROARING 

Is a symptom of disease rather than disease. It is a 
species of unsoundness, and may be detected sometimes 
by a mere fright — sudden jump ; sometimes great exertion 
is needed. Veterinarians detect it sometimes by a grunt- 
ing or groaning cough, which they produce by grasping 
the throat. It is sometimes hereditary. " The produce 
of certain sires are nearly all roarers. " (Williams.) It 



ROARING — COUGH. 75 

may depend on thickening of the mucous lining of the 
nares (apertures), pharynx, or larynx, or on fibrous growths 
in these regions ; but the majority of cases are the result 
of paralysis, wasting, and fatty degeneration of the whole 
of the intrinsic muscles of the left side of the larynx 
supplied by the recurrent nerve. The tube through which 
the air passes being narrowed, the characteristic noise is 
produced. Most roarers are wheezers, and also grunters, 
and in the lighter breeds are whistlers. (Dun.) 

Percivall ligatured a horse's windpipe moderately tight. 
It roared when trotted. He next compressed the pipe to 
about half its natural calaber. The animal whistled. He 
then drew the cord with all his strength. A minute af- 
terward the horse staggered a good deal, fell, struggled 
violently, and expired in two minutes after falling. The 
ligatured part of the windpipe admitted a crow's quill. 
In the two first experiments the sounds were louder in 
inspiration than expiration. 

Remedy. — 'Spurious roaring,' depending on cold, in- 
fluenza, or strangles, is sometimes treated successfully by 
stimulation of the throat, and by potassium iodide and 
arsenic internally. 

' True roaring,' depending on muscular wasting, is in- 
curable. Smart blistering, the actual cautery, and gal- 
vanism in the earlier stages, sometimes retard wasting. 
Slow, easy work. A pad fitted on the nostrils, regulating 
the supply of air, lessens the noise. A tube in the wind- 
pipe affords relief. (See Fig. 5.) Removal of the para- 
lyzed vocal cord is useless. Removal of the aretenoid cur- 
tilage is seldom permanently effectual. 

For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

COUGH 

Is symptomatic of various diseases. It may remain after 
its cause is removed. It sometimes becomes chronic, es- 
pecially if neglected. 



76 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

Remedy. — Comfortable housing and clothing, pure air, 
careful feeding, oleaginous diet. 

Catarrhal : Steam head ; ammonium acetate solution, 
salines, ether, mustard to throat. 

Bronchial : Ammonium acetate, ipecac, squill, nitrous 
ether, counter-irritants. 

Dry, with scanty secretion : Ammonium acetate or chlo- 
ride, potassium bicarbonate and chlorate, borax. 

With profuse discharges : Balsams, eucalyptus oil, tar, 
terrebene, creosote, astringent sprays or inhalations. 

Irritable : Demulcents ; camphor and belladonna, coni- 
um, opium, hydrocyanic acid, cocaine. (For a list of 
demulcents, see page 33.) 

Keflex : Bromides, chloral hydrate. Remove cause of 
irritation. 

Chronic : Careful dieting ; wet the food ; linseed mash 
or oil. If the coat is long, clip or singe. Epsom salt or 
other salines occasionally. Dick's recipe — 30 grains each 
of calomel, digitalis, opium and camphor. Omit calomel 
if given daily for a week, that is, if necessary. Belladonna, 
camphor, alcohol, tar, creosote, arsenic. Counter-irritants 
— mustard, mercuric iodide ointment, setons. 

For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

BLEEDING FROM THE NOSE (EPISTAXIS), 

Is best distinguished perhaps from bleeding of the lungs 
by the fact that blood usually issues from but one nos- 
tril. Blood may flow in a stream or drop by drop. In 
either case it is very apt to collect within the chambers 
of the nose and about the nostril and cause irritation. 
The horse will snort and blow out clots of blood, and 
thus increase the bleeding. The blood is mostly arterial 
— usually a bright scarlet. 

The cause may be constitutional, local, spontaneous — 
the result of plethora or congestion — or traumatic (wounds). 



NASAL POLYPUS. 77 

D'Arboval reports fatal cases, wherein the clots of blood 
in the chambers of the nose resembled pus. 

Remedy. — When from rupture of small blood vessel, 
plug nostril and raise head. Ice to face and head. Fer- 
ric chloride tincture in spray. When from purpura or a 
similar disease, ergot, ferric chloride, or pyrogallic acid 
internally, or ergotin under the skin. 

For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

NASAL POLYPUS 

Is very rare in horses. " Manifold are the dangers of 
the distemper," says Vegetius (about 400 A. D.) "The 
horse will be strangled by the stoppage of the passage of 
his breath. He will snore, and humid mucus will flow 
out of his nostrils." Percivall says the mucus is some- 
times highly tinged with blood, and that sometimes pure 
blood runs from the nose. Also that an unequal rush of 
air is felt from one or both nostrils. " Inspection in a 
full light discloses, higher or lower in the nostril, the 
rounded base of a polypus." He warns veterinarians not 
to mistake the cartilaginous prolongation of either the 
anterior or posterior turbinated bones for a polypus ; nor 
any rounded clots of blood near them. 

The tumors, which vary in weight from a few drams 
to three or four pounds, hang by a narrow neck. Some- 
times they protrude three or four inches. They are red 
or fiesh-like in color, globular in shape, and have smooth, 
shining surfaces. Some have a fibrous, almost cartilagin- 
ous, structure, while " others appear to be composed of 
various little tumors agglutinated together." 

Remedy. — Excise with forceps. Dress antiseptically. 
Pads over nostrils sometimes diminish noise. (For a list 
of antiseptic remedies, see page 31.) 



IS THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

BRONCHOCELE OR GOITER (Tumor of the Thy- 
roid Gland), 

Is rare in horses. It is usually small and harmless, but 
when it increases to the size of a hen's egg or larger, it 
may cause choking. Percivall reduced such a swelling by 
rubbing with compound iodine ointment daily for six 
weeks, but he was in doubt whether the tumor caused the 
choking or not. 




Fig. 16. Bronehocele. 

The tumor, as the illustration shows, appears just lie- 
low the part grasped to excite coughing. It is circular 

or ovoid in shape, and is soft, puffy, moveable, and devoid 
of sensibility. 



DISEASES OF THE LUNGS. 



The lungs, though very susceptible to disease, possess 
comparatively little sensibility, either in health or disease. 
They are peculiar to themselves, and are extremely varied 
in structure. The bronchial tubes constitute one part; 
the air-cells, in which the tubes terminate, another ; their 
blood vessels a third ; the inter-connecting parenchyma- 
tous substance a fourth ; the cellular and pleural mem- 
branes a fifth. In health they possess a pale pink, spongy, 
light, and elastic interior, and will float in water. In 
disease they are reddened and solidified (liver-like), and 
sink in water. 

In horses diseases of the lungs are more numerous in 
proportion to other diseases than in man. They are also 
more rapid in their course, death sometimes resulting in 
a few hours. Young horses are more subject to them 
than old. High-bred, tenderly reared, light bodied, long- 
legged, flat sided, narrow breasted, and thin skinned 
horses are more predisposed to them than those of the 
opposite kind. The causes of them are chiefly foul air, 
especially when combined with heat ; sudden changes of 
temperature, dampness, overwork, and mechanical and 
chemical injuries. (Percivall.) 

PNEUMONIA 

Means either congestion or inflammation of the lungs, 
independent or combined. Inflammatory pneumonia is 
either simple or compound. When complicated with bron- 
chitis, it is called ' broncho-pneumonia ; ' when complica- 
ted with pleurisy, ' pleuropneumonia.' Its progress will 



30 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

vary according to circumstances. Usually it reaches its 
bight in a few days, and gets better or worse in a few- 
days. (Percivall.) 

Kobertson and Williams describe congestion as a distinct 
and sometimes independent disease. 

Symptoms of Congestive Pneumonia.— Sudden or 
gradual. When sudden — the result of overexertion — the 
horse is all over in a tremor ; cold sweat ; no pulse ; legs 
deathly cold; the frightfully wild look of the eyes — pupils 
dilated — and the boring of the head and stupidity of the 
horse, clearly indicate delirium. When gradual, the horse 
is at first dull, listless, heavy-headed, and off its appetite. 
Respiration gradually becomes more disturbed and oppres- 
sive, partaking more of labor than of pain ; pulse full 
and quick, but so feeble perhaps as to be hardly percep- 
tible ; respiratory murmur lost ; legs and ears deathly 
cold; cold sweats; gradually sinks, and dies in convul- 
sions and delirium. 

Remedy. — Immediate bleeding — 4 to C quarts. 

Symptoms of Inflammatory Pneumonia. — There are 
three stages; the first may be either absent or unnoticed. 
First stage: Staring coat; legs cold, followed perhaps by 
rigor; head hangs; no appetite; has had a short, dry 
cough for several days, which comes on after exercise or 
drinking; dull, dejected, laggard. Temperature 103. K>4. 
or even IOC. Now come fever, quick pulse, hot mouth, 
injected membranes of nose and eyes. 

Second stage : Breathing disturbed ; nostrils open and 
shut; flanks work laboriously up and down; breathing 
indicates oppression rather than pain or rapidity. In other 
cases the flanks hardly move at all. The nostrils are an 
important guide, as there is often a sparing, yellow, slimy 
discharge from one or both ; pulse, at first, quick and 
usually distinct, but, as the disease progresses, is very apt, 
from fullness and oppression. t<> become indistinct: ears 
and legs colder than ever; nasal membrane moist and 



PNEUMONIA. 81 

reddened ; horse sometimes stands constantly in the same 
place and posture, fore legs stretched out, head toward a 
door or open window, looking backward from time to time 
at its heaving flanks in a peculiarly despondent manner; 
never lies down. 

Third stage : Eespiration quicker and more oppressed ; 
pulse quicker, but less distinct; extremities cold; nasal 




Fig. 17. Usual position during a serious attack of Pneumonia. 

membrane changes from red to a leaden hue; convulsive 
twitchings of the muscles of the surface ; extreme un- 
easiness ; up and down ; reeling gait ; haggard counte- 
nance ; delirium, convulsions, death. 

Auscultation, according to D'Arboval, reveals a crepi- 
tating, humid rattle around the inflamed places, with a 
louder respiratory murmur than in other parts. Percus- 
sion reveals deadness in diseased parts, resonance in others. 
When the roots only of the lungs are inflamed, these tests 
are not present. Robertson says the heart sounds are also 
intensified over the consolidated (lung) area. 

Remedy.— Box; temperature 60 to 70° F. Clothe 
body, bandage legs. Cold linseed tea; steamed food; 
fresh grass for horses, cattle, sheep. Bleeding in acute 



82 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

attacks if patient is robust. A few small doses of aconite 
tincture for acute fever. If fever of low type, as it usu- 
ally is in hard worked town horses, sulphuric or nitric 
ethers, with camphor and ammonium carbonate, in draft; 
while ammonium acetate, potassium chlorate and nitrate 
are given in draft or drinking water. Potassium nitrate 
and colchicum for kidneys when not acting. Bugs wrung 
out of hot water to sides, with subsequent rubefacient 
dressing. Alcoholic stimulants, ether, nitrous ether, spirit 
of chloroform several times daily when melting of exudate 
(oozing matter) has begun, or earlier in epizootic attacks, 
or in weakly patients. Belladonna extract and camphor 
allay cough. Linseed oil in mash, neutral salts in drink- 
ing water, with laxative injections, secure regularity of 
bowels. If laxatives necessary, oil preferable to aloes. 
Cooling mash diet in earlier stages ; in later, digestible, 
nutritive food. For doses, see pages 13 to 29. For list 
of ' rubefacients/ see page 36. 

CHRONIC PNEUMONIA 

May be a continuation of the acute form. It is insidi- 
ous in its symptoms and dangerous; but it is mild, and 
its progress is slow. It may end in solidification or indu- 
ration, or in tubercles, abscesses, and consumption, the 
same as the acute form described above. 

Symptoms.— Horse appears to be merely unwell; no 
perceptible heaving of flanks; but little acceleration of 
pulse; no apparent pain, yet mopes about, dull and de- 
jected; appetite fastidious; seldom or never lies down; 
coat unkind; general appearance unhealthy. Ask about 
cough. Examine nostrils for disturbed respiration, and 
also for expectoration from them. 

BRONCHITIS 

Means inflammation of the bronchial tubes — the two 
lung branches of the windpipe. It is dangerous only when 



BRONCHITIS. 



S3 



its secretions clog the tubes, choking the horse to death, 
or when it is complicated with other diseases. The latter 
is unfortunately frequently the case, for it is often com- 
plicated with catarrh, sore throat, and diseases of the 
lungs. In fact, the causes of catarrh are the causes of 
bronchitis. Bronchitis is simply -catarrh of the bronchial 
tubes. 

The disease rarely exists independently. It is acute, 
subacute, and sometimes chronic. In the spring and fall 
it is sometimes epizootic, especially among young horses. 
When acute and favorable, it reaches its bight about the 
fourth or fifth day; begins to decline about the sixth or 
seventh day, leaving the patient out of danger about the 
tenth or twelfth. If not favorable, the signs on the fifth, 
seventh, or ninth day are : Eespiration becoming very 
oppressed; pulse quicker and fainter; skin and extremi- 
ties cold; mouth cold and clammy; nostrils very dry. 
Pulmonic or pleuro-pulmonic disease may now supervene. 




Fig;. 18. A horse dressed for Bronchitis. 



Symptoms. — Breath hot; unusual nasal discharge; 
reddening of nasal membrane ; cough ; sore throat ; dif- 
ficult breathing ; febrile irritation, sometimes without an- 



84 THE DISEASES OF THE HOUSE. 

tecedent shivering. Auscultation reveals a distinct cooing 
sort of sound, arising from want of secretion within the 
tubes. When the secretion returns, and in augmented 
quantity, the rattle is distinctly heard. 

In catarrhal bronchitis, in addition to most of the above 
symptoms, the nasal discharge, which at first is but slight 
and of a watery or muco-watery description, in three or 
four days becomes of a puro-mucous nature and increased 
in quantity. The symptoms of catarrh and sore throat 
gradually abate and merge into that short and laborious 
breathing which clearly denotes high bronchial and pul- 
monary irritation. When the horse coughs, which it does 
more now, an increased discharge is expelled from the 
nose ; when it hangs its head, the discharge runs out. 

Symptoms of independent (uncomplicated) bronchitis : 
Sudden illness ; violent blowing and distressful breathing ; 
sudden and copious mucous discharges from the nose ; 
may obtain relief at the moment, but there is danger of 
suffocation, especially if the discharges are frequently re- 
peated. These sudden and violent attacks usually soften 
down to ordinary bronchitis, but they sometimes increase 
in violence and end in pulmonary disease. 

Epizootic symptoms : Exceedingly sore throat and pro- 
fuse discharges from nose ; sometimes white, sometimes 
yellow, sometimes even green, according to circumstances. 
The green tinge arises either from malignancy or green 
food. Great weakness of loins ; also general weakness ; 
low febrile irritation. 

Remedy. — Comfortable, cool, well ventilated box; tem- 
perature 60 to 65° F. Body and limbs clothed. Inhala- 
tion of watery vapor from steam kettle, a large mash, or 
bucket of boiling Avater promotes exudation in dry stage, 
the inhalation to be medicated, as required, with expec- 
torants, anodynes, or antiseptics. (See Fig. 14.) Fomen- 
tations and mustard to throat and sides. Mustard in earlier 
stages applied for 15 or 20 minutes, washed off, and re- 



BRONCHITIS. 85 

applied if needed. Spirituous essence of mustard injected 
hypodermically. Salines in drinking water for fever. A 
few doses of aconite early in robust subjects, where the 
symptoms are acute. Ammonium acetate solution, ipecac, 
and squill while membrane is dry and congested. Ben- 
zoic acid, eucalyptus oil, terebene, pilocarpine, mineral 
acids diminish excessive secretion. Soap liniment and 
laudanum rubbed into throat and down neck twice daily 
for difficult breathing, especially when the secretion is 
excessive. Belladonna stimulates respiratory center and 
eases cough ; often conjoined with camphor, ether, chlo- 
ral hydrate, and in debilitated patients with small, re- 
peated doses of alcohol. Confections or gargles of opium, 
chloral hydrate, with glycerine, for cough. Potassium 
chlorate and ammonium chloride promote fluid secretion 
and moderate its quantity. Lobelia and opium where there 
is much discharge and paroxysms of cough. Ammonium 
carbonate when mucus is abundant and viscid and patient 
is low. Mash diet. Regulate bowels, if possible, by in- 
jections; purgatives dangerous in horses. 

Remedy for Chronic Bronchitis. — Equable tempera- 
ture; pure, fresh air; comfortable clothing, which must 
be removed and patient wisped over night and morning. 
Salines, with or without mercurials, for congestion and 
fever. Terebene and eucalyptus oil stimulate bronchial 
secretion. Belladonna, balsams, and mineral acids dimin- 
ish excessive secretion. Ammonium carbonate and chlo- 
ride for viscid and irritating secretion. Belladonna and 
ether stimulate respiratory and heart centers. Chloroform, 
chloral, and opium abate cough. Mustard and other 
counter-irritants, carefully used, lessen congestion, irrita- 
tion, and cough. Mustard in-rubbing. Soap liniment, 
with, or without laudanum, often removes cough. Alco- 
hol, ether, volatile oils, digitalis maintain heart action in 
weakly subjects. Sulphurous acid, creosote, eucalyptus, 
and other antiseptics inhaled or internally when secretions 



80 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

are fetid. Arsenic occasionally relieves inflation. Careful 
dietary ; nutritive, oleaginous food. Linseed oil. Iron 
and other tonics promote convalescence. 
For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

PLEURISY (PLEURITIS), 

Is inflammation of the pleura — a membrane investing 
the organs of the chest. When the inflammation extends 
to the lungs, the disease is called pleuro-pneumonia. The 
secretions of the pleura are usually watery, with or with- 
out lymph. The water is usually of a clear, bright yel- 
low color, closely resembling the serum of the blood, 
though in some cases it is rendered turbid by the lymph 
floating in it. In others it is red from being tinged with 
blood. In others still it is of a sort of milky or whey 
color, and fetid from being mixed with pus. The lymph 
consists of masses of gelatinous or albuminous mutter, 
hanging about the chest in shreds " after the fashion of 
a cobweb," and sometimes forming what are called adhe- 
sions or false membranes. It sometimes walls the water 
in as it were, confining it like pus within an abscess. It 
at first probably gives rise to more or less pain, as it in- 
terferes with the free action of the lungs, but the parts 
evidently soon become adjusted to each other. Pus some- 
times accompanies acute as well chronic pleurisy, and in 
some cases gangrene and even abscess of the side super- 
vene. In chronic cases the pleura becomes thickened and 
tough, apparently less vascular, and assumes a morbidly 
white aspect. Sometimes it is studded with tubercle-like 
knots. Pleurisy of one side is rare; but the opposite 
side often takes the disease from sympathy. 

The disease has a dangerous tendency. It usually comes 
and goes suddenly. Death is also sudden — a few hours. 
The chronic form is slow and comparatively painless. It 
may last for weeks. It may follow or be independent of 
the acute form. The disease is peculiar to four and five- 



PLEUKISY. 87 

year-old horses, especially such as are kept in warm stables 
and live high. 

The causes are cold, immersion of legs in or drinking 
cold water when heated, sympathy with contiguous in- 
flammatory diseases, blood contamination, morbid growths, 
external injury to membrane, overexertion, &c. 

Williams describes ' epizootic pleurisy/ which is " pre- 
ceded and accompanied by a low typhoid or adynamic 
(sinking) form of fever." It lasts from one to two weeks. 

Symptoms. — Slight chill or rigor; fever; uneasiness, 
gradually increasing till acute pain is manifested, when the 
animal heaves or rather pants violently at the flanks, puffs, 
blows, and casts piteous looks at its flanks; heat all over 
body, in parts actually sweating with pain; great nervous 
irritation ; cannot be quiet for a minute ; looks here and 
there, pawing, lying down, getting up. Pressure on the 
rib spaces causes flinching, usually a characteristic grunt, 
and an attempt to bite ; a cough is often present, causing 
such pain that the animal, in its effort to suppress it, makes 
a sort of reiterated, hacking, half-cough of it ; pulse very 
quick, firm, and wiry ; mouth hot and dry ; breath cold ; 
nasal membrane reddened and moist ; no discharge, unless 
some catarrhal or bronchial irritation be also present. 

When there is inflammation of the muscles (pleurodynia) 
the horse moves in a very rigid manner ; may fall ; steps 
slowly and very short ; dejected ; back arched ; skin tender. 

In the chronic form the symptoms are mostly very dif- 
ferent, and some the reverse. Instead of restlessness and 
watchfulness, dullness and dejection continue from first to 
last. Even respiration does not cause embarrassment until 
shortly before death, when the chest is nearly or quite full 
of water. The inflammation of the pleura is about the 
same, as are also the tenderness of the sides, the grunt, 
and the respiratory murmur. The cough, if it still ex- 
ists, becomes faint and sore, and now and then causes the 
before mentioned grunt. 



88 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

These symptoms usually follow epizootic catarrh, sore 
throat, or bronchitis. 

Remedy. — Hygienic treatment, as in pneumonia ; bleed- 
ing in acute attacks in vigorous horses and cattle. Emetic 
and antimonials in animals that vomit. A few doses of 
aconite tincture or calomel and opium for fever. Salines 
and antipyretics, as in bronchitis and pneumonia. Pot- 
assium iodide and colchicum to promote absorption of in- 
flammatory exudate. Ferric chloride tincture for debility 
and lack of blood. Digitalis and nux vomica aid removal 
of fluid. Rugs wrung out of hot water to sides, followed 
by in-rubbing of mustard, washed off in twenty minutes. 
Moderate counter-irritation with ammonia and soap lini- 
ments. Pain reduced by opium or by morphine hypoder- 
mically. Tapping if necessary. (See 'hydrothorax.') 

For doses, see pages 13 to 29. For a list of ' antipy- 
retics/ see page 31. 

PLEUROPNEUMONIA. 

For description, symptoms, and treatment of this dis- 
ease, see articles ' Pneumonia ' and ' Pleurisy.' 

HYDROTHORAX (Water in the Chest), 

Is a very common termination of pneumonia with pleu- 
risy. It may also follow compound bronchitis, or it may 
occur independently, the pleura furnishing the water. In 
some cases water in the belly and head coexist, accom- 
panied by swelled legs, sheath, belly, &c. 

The disease is dangerous, but it is sometimes curable. 
Tapping the chest with a trocar is sometimes successful. 
When water does not flow from one side, try the other. 
Some puncture between the fifth and sixth ribs, some the 
eighth and ninth, choosing the most dependent parts and 
the least likely to cause injury. Make an incision through 
the skin, and then introduce the trocar, with a rotating 
motion, obliquely and upward as far as it will go, or till 



WATER IN THE CHEST. 89 

water escapes. The stylet must be withdrawn as soon as 
resistance to the introduction of the trocar is felt. If 
the hole in the trocar should be stopped up with lymph 
or other substance, clear it with a probe. When clear 
and within the cavity, water will flow if there is any in 
that particular part. The trocar must not be kept in 
unnecessarily long, as air will penetrate the chest through 
its orifice. The operation is sometimes repeated several 
times in the course of treatment. In an unsuccessful case 
Percivall withdrew ten gallons of water. After death, 
four days after the operation, there were six gallons more 
in the chest and a quart in the pericardium. 

Symptoms. — Eats daintily; looks disspirited; on the 
approach of some one, rouses up for a moment only; 
short, quick, labored respiration, becoming more and more 
manifest as the chest fills with water. When the chest 
is nearly full, the horse exerts its utmost power; seldom 
lies down, but when it does, lies on the side containing 
the most water, and is soon up again. D'Arboval says 
the spaces between the ribs are enlarged. The pulse, at 
first small and quick, becomes accelerated and fainter as 
the disease advances, till it cannot be felt at all. Horse 
steps with fore legs wide apart and stiffened ; gait often 
unsteady and reeling ; breast, belly and sheath show drop- 
sical swellings, which by degrees fall into the legs. 

Auscultation and percussion reveal no sound, unless 
there is gas or air in the chest, which is rarely the case. 
Percivall says that if an assistant taps one side of the 
chest while the surgeon holds his ear to the other, the 
presence of water may be ascertained. In a recorded and 
successfully treated case, the sound of the water was com- 
parable to that of water in a rolling cask. 

Remedy. — Digitalis; powdered cantharides ; potassium 
nitrate twice daily for a week. Then potassium iodide and 
iron salts. Pilocarpine useful in human patients. Iodine 
ointment and rubefacients externallv, or insert under the 



90 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

skin of the chest a plug of tow moistened with an irri- 
tant. When necessary, tap with trocar or pneumatic as- 
pirator. 

BLEEDING FROM THE LUNGS 

Is rare. It is dangerous, but the danger depends on 
the origin, nature, and extent of the case. Plethora, high 
or very fat condition, and violent work or feats are con- 
ducive of bleeding. The membranous tissues, being over- 
charged with blood, are liable, on extraordinary exertion, 
to give way ; but the bleeding may be owing to over-force 
of circulation. Wound of the substance of the lung- is 
often the cause of sudden death. It may be caused by 
violence in hunting, racing, &c, or result from ulceration 
of the lung in consumption. 'Pulmonic apoplexy' (blood 
in the air cells) is said to be a dangerous form of lung 
bleeding. 

Symptoms. — When from the bronchial membrane: 
Blood from both nostrils, usually scarlet colored and frothy, 
attended with more or less irritation, coughing, or snort- 
ing and sometimes interrupted breathing; every time the 
horse coughs or snorts fresh blood is ejected, often through 
the mouth as well as the nose. The blood does not flow 
in a uniform stream, as in bleeding from the nose, which 
is usually from one nostril only, and is thus distinguished 
from bleeding from the lungs, but is influenced by the 
respiration and also the position of the head and neck ; 
the more the head hangs the readier the blood flows. 
Sometimes there is febrile disturbance, quick pulse, hot 
mouth, legs deathly cold, or one cold while another is 
warm. 

Remedy. — Bleeding that cannot be got at, is arrested 
(1) by cold or heat applied so as to act reflexly; ("-2) by 
lead acetate, opium, sulphuric or gallic acid or ferric chlo- 
ride ; (3) hypodermic injection of orgotin. 



CONSUMPTION. 91 

CONSUMPTION (Tuberculosis, Scrofula, Phthisis), 

Is a specific disease, resulting from the introduction into 
the body of the 'tubercle bacillus." This mite develops 
irritation and inflammation, either directly or by the for- 
mation of poisonous alkaloids, produced by its action on 
the tissues. Hard growths appear, consisting of one or 
more of three descriptions of cell — lymphoid, epitheliod, 
and giant. They exhibit a tendency to necrosis, followed 
by caseation (curd or cheese), and occasionally by fibroid 
degeneration. The disease may be localized in various 
organs and tissues. It occurs in all animals, and is com- 
municable from one species of animal to another. Cattle, 
poultry, and hogs are more subject to its several forms 
than horses, dogs, or sheep. (Dun.) Rare. 

Symptoms. — First stage: Out of condition; rough 
coat ; hide bound perhaps ; faulty or weak at work ; sweats 
on slight exertion ; coughs occasionally after drinking or 
when first brought out of stable ; short-winded. Duration 
uncertain ; weeks, months, _and in rare cases years. 

Second stage : Case develops itself more or less ; respi- 
ration probably slightly disturbed ; if not perceptible at 
the flanks or nostrils, apply the ear to the breast or side ; 
by the latter means or by the hand tenderness about the 
sides may also be discovered; pulse quicker than natural; 
short, dry cough now and then ; appetite fastidious and 
changeable, now good, now indifferent; never quite lost; 
spirits same as appetite ; sparing issue of yellow matter 
from nose ; flesh lost daily ; hip bones begin to project ; 
quarters lose plumpness ; skin becoming tense and adher- 
ent to sides. 

Third stage : Increased disturbance of respiration ; the 
breath, mouth, and discharge from nose fetid ; highly 
quickened pulse ; troublesome cough, with occasional 
coughing up of expectorated matters through the nose 
and mouth ; emaciation and debility ; partial separation 



92 THE DISEASES OF THE HOUSE. 

of coat, so that when but slightly twitched the hair comes 
off; dropsical swellings perhaps of the legs, sheath, and 
belly ; complete loss of appetite ; general irritability ; dis- 
tressing, haggard expression of countenance ; irritable state 
of the bowels and great proneness to diarrhea ; the latter 
is likely to result in death. Breath cold in all stages. 

Remedy. — Generous, rather oleaginous diet. Maintain 
healthy functions of bowels and other excreting organs. 
No bleeding — not even where there is a tuberculous taint. 
Milk and flesh liable to transmit the disease to men and 
animals. 

For pulmonary consumption (tuberculosis of lungs)— 
common in cattle, sheep, and swine : Careful, generous 
dietary. Good sanitary surroundings. Tonics, acids, alco- 
holic stimulants, antiseptic inhalations. Arsenic sometimes 
arrests early stage of consolidatiou. Iodine liniments and 
rubefacients externally, also check consolidation and cough. 
Chloral and morphine relieve cough. (See cough.) 

For tuberculous disease of the mesenteric glands : Di- 
gestible, nourishing diet. Treat on the same principle as 
above. Feed off without delay cattle or sheep of tuber- 
culous taint. 

For tuberculous abscess of throat or other glands (king's 
evil) : Foment if hot and painful. Dress with iodine lini- 
ment. If pus forms, evacuate and treat antiseptically. 
Liberal dietary, tonics, calcium chloride. 

For tubercular arthritis (gouty inflammation), chiefly 
affecting young animals : Good feeding and sanitation ; 
comfortable quarters. Apply flannels wrung out of hot 
water or hot oil, followed by mercury oleate and lauda- 
num. Active counter-irritation is injurious. 

For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

BROKEN-WIND, 

If not asthma, is a sequel of asthma. Its chief cause, 
according to Williams and Robertson, is eating an undue 



BROKEN-WIND. 93 

proportion of hay, especially hay that is overripe, heated, 
old, dusty, or cut up too short. Robertson says that where 
"horses are fed on part oat-straw and part hay, both cut 
rather long, matters are not so bad." Round, shallow- 
chested horses seem to be predisposed to the disorder. 

Williams says broken- wind " is fast becoming a thing 
of the past." 

Symptoms. — Inspiration is easy and rather quick, but 
expiration is a double action, two distinct efforts appar- 
ently, after which the muscles relax and the flanks fall 
peculiarly. Respiratory murmur weakened or absent ; loud, 
sonorous, sibilant wheeze, especially toward back part of 
chest. Rattling and hissing all over chest ; resonance in- 
creased, showing that the lungs are distended with air; 
chest seems rounder, &c. 

Cough : It is so peculiar as to be sometimes called 
" broken-winded cough." It is more than short — it is half- 
suppressed or chopped off as it were, and so feeble as to be 
almost inaudible. It is often followed" by wheezing, like 
asthma in man. At first, and also when it afterward comes 
on in fits, it is troublesome. When the disease is estab- 
lished, and there is no special excitement, it is solitary 
(but once) as well as short and feeble. 

Indigestion : Appetite voracious, yet condition lean and 
hide-bound looking. Well it may be, for the dung looks 
like so much chopped hay mixed with oats and husks, caus- 
ing flatulence and tumid, tense, drum-like belly, often 
pendent from weakness. Flatulence (expulsion of wind) 
follows exercise, coughing, dunging, &c, but subsides as 
the animal relieves itself. In inveterate cases the anus 
becomes weakened and is as often opened as shut. The 
interior of the bowel is sometimes exposed, while the 
anus itself protrudes and recedes with every breath. 

Skin : Harsh, dry, and perhaps hide-bound ; coat long, 
rough, and open. 

Remedy. — Incurable, but relieved by careful dietary; 



94 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

good, concentrated food, given damp; water frequently, 
in limited quantity, but withheld before hard, fast work. 
Laxatives and salines occasionally. Rock salt, chalk, or 
whiting in manger. Linseed oil, with lime water, daily, 
in drench or with food ; ^ to 1 grain of arsenic, in the 
form of Fowler's solution, may be given daily, or even- 
other day, for months. Prof. Dick's cough balls occa- 
sionally, consisting of 30 grains each of calomel, opium, 
digitalis, and camphor. If used daily for a week or more, 
omit calomel. 

For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

SPASM OF THE DIAPHRAGM. 

The diaphragm is a large muscle separating the chest 
from the abdomen. Its spasms are caused by overexer- 
tion. It is also sometimes seen in lock-jaw. Its thump- 
ings, sometimes audible at ten paces off, are often con- 
founded with palpitation of the heart. It may be dis- 
tinguished from the latter (1) by a convulsive movement 
of the whole body ; (2) by difficult breathing ; (3) the 
pulse is small and weak and not synchronous with the 
beat of the diaphragm : (4) the heart beat is barely per- 
ceptible; (5) sometimes profuse sweats and harassing 
cough. 

Remedy. — Quiet; warm clothing. Good, diffusible 
stimulant. If symptoms continue, give opium. If the 
difficult breathing is dangerous, moderate bleeding. 

For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

Rupture of the diaphragm is common, but is usually 
perhaps the result of after death swelling. Groat inter- 
nal violence may cause it during life. 

Hernia of the diaphragm is like ruptured diaphragm. 



DISEASES OF THE STOMACH. 



Diseases of the stomach depend -as much perhaps on 
a lack of mastication and salivary mixture as on the qual- 
ity or quantity of food. " The food of the horse contains 
an abundant quantity of starchy materials, and the pro- 
cess by which these are rendered soluble begins in the 
mouth, not only by their admixture with the salivary 
secretions, but by a chemical change, through which the 
non-soluble starch is converted into dextrine and grape 
sugar, and made fit for the action of the intestinal, bili- 
ary, and gastric 'secretions, and for absorption by the 
vessels of the intestinal walls. For the purpose of per- 
forming this process the horse is provided with 24 mill- 
stones in the form of molar teeth. Horses are best kept 
in health when fed on an admixture of food requiring 
thorough mastication, and cattle when, in addition to the 
more nutritious aliments, they are freely supplied with 
food requiring remastication, such as hay, grass, or straw. 
An error in the diet or a sudden change from one kind 
of food to another, not only deranges the stomach, but 
the intestinal canal as well." (Williams.) 

In the horse the process of digestion is only begun in 
the stomach ; it is completed in the intestines. The 
stomach is small in proportion to the size of the horse ; 
the intestines, in the aggregate, are not. The stomach 
being small, requires to be often filled. A horse ought 
not to be worked over five or six hours without food. If 
it works ten hours, and is given enough food, it is liable 
to gorge itself. It is also liable, in its haste, to bolt its 
food. 



90 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE STOMACH (GAS- 
TRITIS), 

Is rare as an independent disease. It is probably always 
the result of irritation of the mucous membrane. This 
may be caused by improper food, especially in foals and 
calves; foreign bodies, specific fevers, mineral and vege- 
table poisons, &c. 

Symptoms. — There are no sure signs to detect the in- 
dependent form of the disease. In the poisonous form 
the symptoms vary with the dose and effect rather than 
with the kind of poison. Blue vitriol, corrosive sublimate, 
or arsenic causes nausea, loathing of food, often accom- 
panied by a discharge of saliva ; horse paws, looks dis- 
tressfully at flanks, lies down, rolls about, rises in great 
agony ; quick and painful heaving at the flanks ; finally 
breaks into profuse perspiration. Other poisons cause vom- 
iting, belching, enormous gaseous distension ; pulse at first 
quick, then contracted to a thread, afterward impercepti- 
ble ; prostration ; reels in walking ; bowels either violently 
purged or else so constricted that, notwithstanding painful 
efforts, nothing but mucus is passed ; grows delirious and 
dangerous; falls, stretches limbs, groans, gapes, dies. 

Remedy — An oily laxative removes any irritant and 
irritant discharges. Ice, with hydrocyanic acid or mor- 
phine, or morphine hypodermically, for irritation and pain. 
Antacids and bismuth, with or without small doses of 
opium, most useful in young animais. Hot fomentations 
to abdomen. The brain symptoms and paralysis often oc- 
curring in adult cattle, is usually relieved by full doses 
of oil, followed by demulcents, molasses, salines, and lax- 
ative injections. Patients nourished with milk, well boiled 
gruel, and nutritive clysters. For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

Robertson describes a chronic or mild form of gastritis. 



STAGGERS. 97 

STAGGERS, STOMACH AND GRASS (ACUTE 
INDIGESTION). 

Stomach staggers, according to Robertson, " is chiefly, 
if not entirely, the result of filling the stomach to reple- 
tion." Some foods are worse than others, such as brewers' 
grain, damaged wheat, ripe vetches, and cooked food. The 
disorder is not uncommon, and is sometimes very danger- 
ous. In frequency, however, it has fallen off about fifty 
per cent, in the past sixty years. Cause — regular and 
judicious feeding. The infrequency of the disorder in 
France is attributed to the use of laxative and digestible 
foods. Sleepy, mad, and apoplectic staggers are apparently 
only conditions or effects of stomach staggers, for severe 
cases of the latter perhaps always affect the brain more 
or less. 

Grass staggers is caused by rye grass. It paralyzes the 
limbs, especially the hind limbs, having little if any affect 
on the brain. Robertson says it is caused by the seed 
stems of the grass, which horses eat in preference to any 
other part, and that the time of danger is the ripening 
time. Cattle and sheep are little affected, for they eat the 
body of the grass, losing, if they lose any part, the stem. 
Lambs, however, he says, sometimes suffer, for they nip 
the stems, but more in play than to obtain food. Williams 
says the grass is also dangerous when it has been cut and 
allowed to heat and ferment before being used. Little is 
positively known about the specific poison in question. 

Symptoms. — Stomach staggers: Usually sodden "fu- 
gitive abdominal pain;" lies down, but soon up; down 
again ; soon greater restlessness ; continued or interrupted 
pawing; head protruded; in some cases belching ; in rare 
cases attempts at vomiting, with a liquid discharge from 
the nose. In severe cases acute pain, belching, straining 
to vomit ; lies down carefully. 

The sleepy stage (condition) is characterized by dullness; 



98 THE DISEASES OF THE HOKSE. 

head hangs ; disposed to press it against something ; re- 
fuses to eat ; when forced to change position, shows want 
of control over movements; disposed to press head against 
wall again ; breathing more or less stertorous. 

The mad stage is dangerous; horse liable to do any- 
thing. This stage appears to be very rare. 

The symptoms of grass staggers develop gradually. Pa- 
ralysis of hind limbs ; in a day or two the weakness in- 
creases ; reels in walking ; danger of falling ; disinclined 
to lie down ; anxious countenance ; partial paralysis of 
fore legs; perfect consciousness; calm; bowels rather 
confined ; urine, appetite, breathing, and pulse natural. 
In severe cases there is the same disposition to stand, 
even steadying body against wall or stall. Muscular twi tell- 
ings sometimes occur, and in rare cases brain disturbance ; 
when unable to stand and down, muscular twitchings usu- 
ally excessive ; limbs move automatically ; consciousness 
impaired ; breathing stertorous ; death near. These symp- 
toms may vary, but chiefly as to rapidity of development 
or intensity in individual cases. 

Remedy. — Aloes or calomel and oil to unload the 
stomach and bowels. Ether or spirit of ammonia every 
two hours overcomes flatulence and spasm. Clysters, hand 
rubbing, exercise. Hot fomentations or cloths wrung out 
of hot water, or in-rubbing of merely warming dose of 
mustard, abate spasm and pain. If pain persists, morphine 
and atrophine hypodermically. One or two doses of acon- 
ite tincture sometimes useful. Bleeding sometimes advisa- 
ble if brain disturbance or breathing occurs. A long, fine 
trocar and canula in extreme swelling. Strychnine and 
counter-irritants to spine for paralysis. In young animals, 
where stomach is overloaded with clots of curd, oil, fol- 
lowed by ether or spirit of ammonia. 

For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 



DYSPEPSIA. 99 

DYSPEPSIA (CHRONIC INDIGESTION), 

Is a faulty conversion of food into its natural elements. 
In the horse, owing to the food continuing in the stomach 
hut a comparatively short time, much of the digestive 
process is performed in the intestines. Indigestion there- 
fore is not altogether the fault of the stomach. 

The seat of indigestion seems to be the hair-like or 
velvet-like lining of the stomach or intestinal canal. These 
membranes furnish secretions indispensably necessary to 
the due conversion of food into nourishing and feculent 
matter, and one or both of them may be functionally 
faulty, causing irritation, inflammation, &c. But there 
may be other causes, namely — imperfect mastication and 
salivary secretion ; torpid liver ; the bile may be defective 
in quality or quantity ; also the pancreatic juice ; or there 
may be derangement in the worm-like movements of the 
intestines, by means of which their contents are propelled. 

The disorder is peculiar to young horses, especially such 
as are reared in low, marshy, cold, poor pastures. The 
coarse, rank, sour grass seems to lay the foundation of 
disease of the bowels. 

Symptoms. — The symptoms are plain, but it is usu- 
ally difficult to name the part or organ that is affected. 
The horse is dull and spiritless, though the appetite may 
be even voracious; but it may be intermittent — good at 
one time, bad at another ; sometimes it is depraved, horse 
eating dirt, plaster, brick, wood, stones, &c; coat pen- 
feathered, dry, and perhaps scurfy, nor is it shed at the 
usual season ; hide-bound ; dung either darker or lighter 
than natural, with offensive odor, and coated with mucus ; 
when broken, crumbles to pieces, appearing to consist of 
loosely compacted chopped hay, mingled with many entire 
or imperfectly dissolved oats; colicky pains in severe or 
advanced cases ; inclined to be costive when in stable, but 
exercise causes purging ; skin sympathizes, as shown by 



100 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

the coat ; it may be in a morbid or perhaps eruptive 
condition. 

Remedy. — Careful dietary ; avoid long fasts ; vary food ; 
water at reasonable intervals, or keep it in stable con- 
stantly. A laxative is almost invariably the first requi- 
site, conjoined with a cholagogue in bilious cases. (Chol- 
agogues promote the flow of bile. See ' Purgatives,' page 
35.) Alkalies, chalk, magnesia before feeding, or with 
food in debilitated cases. Ball of whiting and piece of rock 
salt in rack. Alkalies may be conjoined with mix vomica 
and other bitters. Hydrochloric or other mineral acids, 
with bitters and iron salts, preferable to alkalies in per- 
sistent cases. Hard worked horses often benefited by mix- 
ing an ounce of linseed oil with food daily. Glycerine, 
especially for young. Ox-bile with gentian or mix vomica 
in intractable cases. Bismuth and hydrocyanic acid in 
chronic gastric irritability. Creosote, eucalyptus, pepper- 
mint oils for undue fermentation. Arsenic with morphine 
in chronic irritable cases, and where food causes diarrhea. 

For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

BOTS (Afterward Gad-Flies^ 

Are little grub-like creatures, voided with the dung. 
As a rule they are not injurious. In some cases, how- 
ever, when present in large numbers, they are injurious, 
and may cause, or at least aid in causing, death. It is 
said that no known medicine will destroy the hot while 
in the stomach. 

The gad-fly or hot undergoes about as many transfor- 
mations as the butter-fly. The egg is deposited on the 
hair in autumn, is conveyed to the tongue by licking, 
hatched by the heat and moisture almost instantly, and 
is then conveyed, with the food, to the stomach, where 
it remains during the winter, its dark-brown hooks being 
securely fixed in the cuticular coat, a part that is said to 
be as insensible to pain as are the hoofs. In the spring 



REMEDY FOR BOTS, STOMACH RUPTURE, ETC. 101 

it releases its hold, is conveyed to the intestines, and 
sooner or later expelled. It dries, assumes a crysalis state 
for about two months, and then is horn as a gad-fly. 

Remedy. — Turpentine and oils, bitters, hydrochloric 
acid, copper and iron sulphates, arsenic ; then purgatives. 
Green fodder. Destroy larva? and fly. 

For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

RUPTURE OF STOMACH 

Is a natural though not necessary termination of unre- 
lieved gorged stomach, and perhaps also chronic indiges- 
tion or other disease. It may also be caused by the strain 
of vomiting, or attempted vomiting, the struggles of the 
horse while suffering, stones in the stomach, external vio- 
lence, &c. It is peculiar to old and exhausted horses. 
Fatal. Morphine injected under the skin will afford some 
relief. 

FLATULENT STOMACH (COLIC), 

Is caused by the stomach or intestines, or both, becom- 
ing distended with air or gas (gas from food). The dis- 
order is usually caused by green food — grass, wheat, rye, 
&c. The condition of the stomach is sometimes an im- 
portant factor. Crib-biters are predisposed to colic. A 
sharp trot will often give a crib-biter relief. 

Remedy. — See ' Colic, Spasmodic and Flatulent/ pages 
102, 103, 104. 

POLYPUS (TUMOR) OF STOMACH. 

Dr. Brown describes one, weighing 7i ounces/that ap- 
parently caused no inconvenience till it obstructed the 
pylorus. It had a rather tortuous pedicle, 3 inches long 
by 1 in diameter, with an artery and 2 veins in its cen- 
ter. About 15 inches of "the first small gut were mor- 
tified." 



DISEASES OF THE INTESTINES 



The intestines are more subject to disease than the 
stomach. They are of far greater bulk, the part they 
perform in the process of digestion is more complex, and 
the aliment remains in them much longer, so that any- 
thing hurtful it may contain has a better chance to de- 
velop itself. Further, owing to their great length, tortu- 
osities, and difference in shape and size, concretions are 
more likely to form within and obstruct them. Again, 
owing to their worm-like movements, one is liable to get 
twisted or knotted, which may cause death. Some intes- 
tinal diseases are acute and rapid in their course ; others 
are so mild and insidious that they are not noticed — or, 
if noticed, not till it is too late. Remedies must be given 
promptly. 

SPASMODIC COLIC 

Is caused by spasm or cramp of some part or parts of 
the intestinal tube. The tube, by means of its muscular 
coat, possesses self-contracting power, which enables it to 
propel its contents onward from the stomach. "When the 
contraction is such as to cause spasm or cramp, spasmodic 
colic follows. The tube is usually contracted to a third 
or a foVrth or more of its natural diameter, and at inter- 
vals of wo, three, or four inches. Sometimes they are 
one, two, or three feet apart. The usual seat of cramp 
is the small intestines, but the large ones are not exempt. 

According to Gamgee, who is corroborated by Williams, 
colic is caused by an irritant in the intestinal canal, and 
is best treated by purgatives and injections. Pain and 
spasm are only symptoms. 



SPASMODIC COLIC. 103 

The causes are over and irregular feeding — even with 
healthy food ; cooked foods and foods of bad quality ; too 
much rye, wheat, vetches, peas, and other green foods ; 
sudden changes of food ; overdrinking when heated ; dis- 
ease of, and parasites, poisons, and stones in, the intes- 
tines ; diseases of contiguous parts ; the influence of cold 
and damp on the surface of the body, &c. 

Ordinary cases are relieved by a single dose of medi- 
cine — sometimes without medicine. In severe cases if re- 
lief does not come in about six hours, recovery is doubt- 
ful. Fatal cases usually terminate in about 24 hours. 
Whatever is given must be given at once. Watch for 
relapses. 

Stallions should be examined for symptoms of rupture. 
Examine the scrotum ; also the inguinal (groin) canals and 
abdominal rings. (See ' Inguinal Hernia/ page 58.) 

Spasmodic colic is distinguished from inflammation of 
the bowels (enteritis) in many ways, namely : there is no 
preceding indisposition; no cold, hot, or shivering fits; 
expressions of pain are stronger, and come on by fits and 
starts; remissions of pain, but constant watchfulness, as 
if in exjjectation of pain ; pulse contracted to a thread, 
jet not exceeding 50; drops down suddenly and rolls 
about, instead of lying down quietly; absence of heat 
about the abdomen. 

Symptoms. — Attack sudden; paws, stamps, and strikes 
belly with hind feet; after bending knees and crouching 
body several times, advances hind feet in attempts to lie 
down; at last drops rather than lies down, the fall caus- 
ing a grunt; rolls, each time trying to balance on its 
back ; if, by getting against the stall, it succeeds, remains 
quiet for a minute or two, the feet drawn down to the 
belly, the head and neck curved to one side perhaps. 
Sometimes, if it fails to balance on its back, it will rise 
suddenly, shake itself, and stand quietly for a time. But 
it soon averts its head and looks at its flanks anxiously. 



104 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

Fit follows fit, each one usually increasing in length and 
severity, the intervals of ease being imperceptible ; phys- 
ical exertion and convulsions cause profuse perspiration ; 
drops of sweat stand on the brows and eyelashes. 

The next state is one of delirium, violence, danger ; 
eyes wild ; cold sweats ; tremors ; falls, or perhaps from 
the maddening pain, throws itself down and dies. 

The pulse at first and during remissions of pain is little 
altered; during pain, as before said, it quickens and is 
contracted to a thread, being at times almost impercepti- 
ble; during extreme pain, its quickness and perceptibility 
are increased ; belly tense, sometimes swollen, and usually 
very tender ; bowels constipated, though dung will often 
pass on the eve of an attack, and sometimes afterward ; 
also urine. 

Remedy. — See 'Flatulent Colic/ 

FLATULENT COLIC 

Is not as common as ' spasmodic colic/ but it is more 
dangerous. It is caused by indigestion, foods which easily 
undergo fermentation, such as raw potatoes, green clover, 
brewers' grain, wheat, and boiled food, crib-biting, &c. 
It may follow spasmodic colic. Its seat is the large in- 
testines — caecum and colon. 

Symptoms. — Unlike spasmodic colic, there are no re- 
missions of pain, and the belly is more or less tensely 
swollen and resonant on percussion; pulse soon becomes 
rapid and feeble ; breathing rapid and mostly thoracic 
(belonging to the chest) ; extremities cold ; more or less 
delirium ; reels to and fro ; muscles twitch ; lips re- 
tracted, &c. 

Remedy.— Purgative to remove irritant; aloes for the 
horse, oils and salines for cattle and sheep. Purgation 
hastened and pain relieved by copious laxative clyster in- 
jections, hot fomentations, friction to abdomen, and gen- 
tle exercise. Ether, oil of turpentine, other volatile oils. 



REMEDY FOR COLIC — ENTERITIS. 



105 



ammonia and ammonium carbonate combat flatulence. 
Ether, alcohol, and chloral hydrate, with opium, bella- 
donna, or cannabis indica, control spasm and pain. Mor- 
phine and atrophine hypoderrnically promptly relieve 
spasm. Inhalation of chloroform quiets violent spasmodic 
cases. 
Eepeated recurring attacks in influenza, often connected 




Fig. 19. Where to puncture for Flatulent Colic. 




Fig. 20. Caecum and Colon Trocars. 



with liver disease, treated with half dose of aloes and a 
little calomel, spirit of chloroform and mustard in-rubbing 
to abdomen 

In intractable ' Flatulent Colic/ trocar colon. 

For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS (ENTERITIS), 

Is the most rapidly fatal disease perhaps to which the 
horse is subject, causing death sometimes in a few hours. 
According to Williams, it is more like an apoplexy than 



106 THE DISEASES OF THE HOESE. 

an inflammation. Robertson says it is different from or- 
dinary inflammations both in its clinical and after-death 
features. The large as well as the small bowels are liable 
to attack, the weakest or most irritated parts suffering 
first probably. 

Its most frequent causes perhaps are overfatigue, cold 
from exposure, washing with very cold water while heated 
and afterward inadequately clothed, overfeeding previous 
to hard work, injuries to the intestines, and certain dis- 
eases. It is liable, in some cases, to settle in the feet, 
especially the fore feet. Examine stallions for rupture. 
Pressure of the abdomen is a good test for enteritis ; but 
the surest test is examination per rectum with the oiled 
hand. 

Recoveries are rare, death resulting either from morti- 
fication or hemorrhage — blood in the colon or other in- 
testine. 

The disease is distinguished from spasmodic colic (1) 
by the pulse, which is full, firm, and accelerated to double 
or treble its natural frequency ; (2) history of case ; (3) 
manner of attack — not so sudden; (4) intermissions — 
practically none ; (5) progress of case. 

Symptoms. — No appetite; dull and feverish; paws, 
stamps, strikes belly, cringes, &c, very much as in spas- 
modic colic; paws with one foot for hours; anxious and 
painful expression of eye ; belly tense, painful, and drawn 
up toward flanks; dung hard, angular, and dark colored. 
As the disease progresses, animal becomes restless, breathes 
hard, sighs, perhaps snorts; breathing sooner or later be- 
comes hurried as well as hard ; nostrils dilated ; counte- 
nance painfully vigilant; bathed in sweat — one time hot, 
another cold ; occasional tremor ; tail erect and quivering ; 
mouth hot and dry; pulse 80 to 120 — hard, wiry. 

The last stage borders on delirium; wild, haggard stare, 
pupils dilating; danger. Suddenly a change comes — the 
change of mortification ; pain ceases; quiet; drinks and 



REMEDY FOE ENTERITIS — DIARRHEA. 107 

attempts to eat; breathing tranquil, but breath more or 
less fetid ; pulse imperceptible ; cold, clammy sweat ; tre- 
mor from head to foot; ears, legs, mouth deadly cold; 
little dung has passed. Convulsions return. Death. 

Sometimes the symptoms at first are comparatively mild. 
They indicate mechanical obstruction perhaps. 

Remedy. — Morphine and atrophine hypodermically at 
intervals of 2 hours for bloody effusion. Ergotin has been 
conjoined with these with view of contracting blood ves- 
sels. Half dram each of opium, belladonna extract, and 
camphor in pint of gruel every 2 hours. Where heart 
action is violent, 10 to 15 minims B. P. tincture aconite 
may be added. Bleeding sometimes useful in early stages 
in vigorous subjects. JSTo purging. Laxative injections. 
From the first apply rugs wrung out of hot water around 
trunk for 2 hours. Then rub belly with soap liniment 
and opium (opium in liniment). 

Enteritis is not as sudden in other animals as in the 
horse, nor so rapidly fatal. Bleed robust subjects. Few 
doses of aconite, or oil and calomel. Hot fomentations, 
mustard, and soap liniment. For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

DIARRHEA 

May be independent, or it may be the result of some 
other disorder. When independent, it is simply an effort 
of nature to rid itself of unhealthy matter. This is Avell, 
even if it is caused by green food. But it must not go 
too far, for diarrhea may be followed by dysentery. Long- 
continuance in cold, wet, rank pastures sometimes has 
this result. 

Diarrhea may result from increased peristaltic (worm- 
like) action of the bowels, congestion or inflammation of 
their mucous membrane, disorder of the liver, mesenteric 
glands, intestinal worms, &c. Too much cold water just 
before work, or during work, is bad. Some waters seem 
to possess diarrheal properties, 



108 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

Diarrhea in foals and calves is often attended with seri- 
ous or fatal results, and it is sometimes epizootic. Its 
cause is functional disturbance, which is intimately asso- 
ciated with the process of digestion. 

Remedy. — Laxatives in first stage to remove irritant. 
Eest ; comfortably warm. Restrict water ; diet carefully ; 
wheaten flour gruel. Alkalies; chalk where dejections 
(excrements or feces) are acid. Mineral acids or gallic 
acid, with opium, in profuse watery discharges. Injec- 
tions of starch gruels at 100° F., with lead acetate and 
opium. Aromatics and camphor abate nervous irritability. 
Oil of cinnamon in cases resulting from cold. Volatile 
oils, ether, chloroform, chlorodyne in moderate but fre- 
quently repeated doses relieve flatulence and spasm. Am- 
monia carbonate where watery secretions are continued 
and the heart action weak. Arsenic and opium in chronic 
cases. Copper sulphate ; corrosive sublimate, with creo- 
sote and opium, when chronic discharges contain mucus 
and blood. Ergotin and opium, with keratin, where the 
discharges are profuse and continued. Antiseptics, sul- 
phites, sulpho-carbolates where discharges are foul. Nitric 
acid and mix vomica when complicated with liver disorder. 

For young animals : Castor oil with a few drops laud- 
num. While patient is fed on milk, if it disagrees when 
given with lime water in cautiously regulated, restricted 
quantity, substitute cooked starch food, or beef tea and 
white of egg, with a little wine or spirit, if the animal 
is reduced. Gray powder where the discharge is pale and 
fetid. (For doses, see pages 13 to 20.) ' Spirit ' usually 
means alcohol ; but it also means whisky, gin, wine, &c. 

DYSENTERY OR BLOODY FLUX 

Is comparatively rare, but dangerous. It consists in 
inflammation and ulceration of the mucous membrane and 
glandular structures of the large and sometimes the small 
intestines, and is attended with fever, occasional abdomi- 



REMEDY FOR DYSENTERY OR BLOODY FLUX. 109 

nal pain, fluid discharges, mingled with hlood or albu- 
minous materials (floating, coffee-ground-like lumps). „It 
resembles diarrhea in several of its features, and some- 
times follows it. It is caused by bad food and water and 
exposure in low, wet, marshy pastures, the filth and ma- 
laria of overcrowded stables, blood contamination, intesti- 
nal parasites, &c. 

The disease is best differentiated from diarrhea by the 
character of the bowel discharges. These contain a mod- 
erate quantity of true fecal matter, either soft or hard. 
The liquid part is composed largely of mucus and a jelly- 
like material, mingled with shreds of membrane or blood, 
the whole being of a tenacious, gluey character, and emit- 
ting a peculiarly offensive smell. 




Fig. 21. Chronic Dysentery. 

Remedy. — Digestible, soft food; restricted water sup- 
ply 5 quiet. Small occasional doses gray powder or calo- 
mel, with other antiseptics. Occasional dose of castor oil 
and laudanum for fever. Lead acetate and opium, gallic, 
tannic, or mineral acids, with opium, or carbolized glyc- 
erine and opium, in solution, or bolus incased in keratin. 



110 



THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 



Chloroform, chlorodyne, with opium, relieve tenesmus 
(inability to dung). Opium as anodyne — by mouth, in- 
jection, and suppository. (For doses, see pages 13 to ^9.) 




W v " VETERINARY * 

HOLLOW SUPPOSITORIES. ? 




rn 



Fig. 22. Suppository. One of these Suppositories, filled with wet tobacco, 
and inserted in the rectum, will usually cure colic in a few minutes. The 
same treatment will destroy ' pin worms ' in horses, say Reynders & Co. 

CONSTIPATION 

May exist independently or be the result of a disease 
or a combination of diseases. The independent form, 
which is rarely dangerous, is usually the result of lack of 
bowel motion, fluid material, green or soft food, &c. 

Symptoms.- — Weakness; disturbed appetite; hair long; 
skin dry; legs disposed to swell; often pot-bellied; pulse 
sometimes small, weak, and perhaps accelerated ; mouth 
fetid; mucous membranes and tongue soapy ; in bad eases 
lips and gums may be covered with dark, pus-and-blood- 
Iike matter, &c. 

Remedy. — Laxative diet, diluents, salines, regular ex- 
ercise. Moderate purgatives, especially in liver disorder; 
laxative clysters. Aloes, oils, calomel, small doses Epsom 
salt for horses. Epsom salt, croton, gamboge, calomel 
for cattle. Gentian, quinine and other tonics for debili- 
tated. Oil of turpentine by mouth and rectum for flat- 
ulence. Soap suppository in young animals. Nux vomica, 
belladonna, physostygmine in chronic cases. Electricity 
and ergot give tone. 

Where stones or twisted intestines cause the obstruction, 



INTESTINAL STONES — WORMS. Ill 

avoid purgatives. Use diluents, laxative injections,, and 
anodynes. (For doses, see pages 13 to 29.) 

INTESTINAL AND STOMACH CONCRETIONS 
(CALCULI), 

Are divided by Prof. Morton into phosphatic, oat-hair, 
and mixed. The phosphatic are hard, smooth, and pol- 
ished, having hard substances (stones, &c.) for nuclei 
(centers) ; the oat-hair are larger but less dense, having 
beards of oats, barley, &c, for nuclei; the mixed are 
composed of phosphatic salts, oat-hair, and fecal and in- 
digestible matter. Tbey vary in size from mere pebbles 
to large stones — even 25 pounds. The impassable stones 
cause irritation and sometimes death. When within reach 
they may be removed per rectum. Sift the food. Phos- 
phatic foods and hard water are factors. 

Remedy. — Explore rectum; use long injection tube. 
Avoid active purgatives. Morphine and atrophine hypo- 
dermically for spasm and pain. 

For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

WORMS (INTESTINAL). 

Four kinds are peculiar to the horse. 1. The 'Ascaris 
lumbricoides,' resembling the common earth worm, inhab- 
its the small intestines. It is round, nearly as large as 
the. little finger, and varies in length from three or four 
inches to a foot or even two feet. It is white or reddish- 
white in color. Usually only one is passed at a time, but 
150 have been known to pass in a week. Cbabert found 
14 pounds in one horse. 

2. The ' Ascaris vermicularis,' a lively, needle -like 
worm, inhabits the large intestines. It is jierhaps the most 
pernicious of the four kinds. It is from one-half to three 
inches long. The head is obtuse, the tail sharp pointed. 
There is a semi-transparent and a black variety. 

3. The ' Strong}dus ' is similar in size to the red worm 



112 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

used by fishermen. It is from two to four inches long, 
and has two distinct parts — body and tail. The tail is 
thread-like, and constitutes more than half the worm's 
length. When first voided, they appear black, the tail 
and sometimes the head being transparent. When taken 
from the dung, they vomit up their black contents and die. 

4. The ' Taenia ' (tape-worm) is white, flat, thin, broad, 
and jointed at regular intervals. It is said to sometimes 
measure twenty feet in length. The head, which is tuber- 
culous and attached to the smaller end of the body, is 
said to be directed toward and sometimes within the 
stomach. They are rare. 

The worms are rarely numerous enough to cause death, 
but when present in large numbers they cause more or 
less harm. They die shortly after the horse dies. Pov- 
erty of body, insufficient nutrition, stagnant water, and 
miasms are said to be conducive of them. They are pe- 
culiar to young horses. 

Symptoms. — Colicky pains; attempts to dung, but 
little passes except glairy mucus; oscillatory motion of the 
tail; rubbing root of tail, owing to itching about anus; 
white or yellow powder about anus; depraved and fastid- 
ious appetite; fond of salt; rubbing upper lip: coat dry 
and rough, remaining in patches long after shedding time; 
hide-bound; lean and unable to thrive; feverish; pulse 
small and quick; mouth unusually dr\ and warm. But 
the best sign is the worm itself. 

Remedy. — Aloes, oil turpentine, bitters. Ferric chlo- 
ride, copper sulphate. Aconite tincture, salt in manger. 

Oil turpentine and male shield fern for tape-worm. 

For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

TWISTED OR STRANGLED BOWELS (VOL- 
VULUS), 

Is usually caused by the worm-like movements of the 
long, loose, and coiled intestines, but a, long-necked tumor, 



BOWEL IRREGULARITIES. 113 

by winding itself around the intestine, may cause the same 
result — strangling. The symptoms resemble those of in- 
flammation of the bowels. Eupture of the intestine may 
result, but the disease is usually fatal whether it does or 
not. 

Remedy. — It cannot be rectified by medical treatment, 
but a surgical operation, if undertaken early, may be suc- 
cessful. 

INTUSSUSCEPTION OR INTROSUSCEPTION 

Is the slipping of a part of one intestine into another, 
usually the one behind. Cartwright reports a case of 12 
introsusceptions, and another where a foot of intestine 
was invaginated. Walker reports a case of 2 feet; Tur- 
ner one of 16 feet 4 inches; Hales found the whole of 
the cascum within the colon, and inverted at that. 

The symptoms resemble those of inflammation of the 
bowels, but there are intermissions of pain ; also sighing, 
groaning, lying on the belly, resting on the hind quar- 
ters, and a disposition, when down, to stay down. Usu- 
ally fatal. 

Remedy. — No treatment is of much avail. Eestrict to 
a limited quantity of soft food. No purging. Opium and 
cannabis indica allay spasm and pain. Prof. Smith's long 
enema tube may be tried. 

For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

PILES (HEMORRHOIDS), 

Is rare in the horse. It is peculiar to dogs, and is the 
result of congestion of the mucous membrane around the 
anus and dilatation of the hemorrhoidal veins. 

Remedy. — Oily aperients, laxative injections. Remove 
hardened dung. Return prolapsed bowel. Cooling, diges- 
tible diet. Gall and opium ointment, or zinc benzoate 
ointment. 

For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 



114 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

PROTRUSION OF THE ANUS OR RECTUM 

Is rare. 

Remedy. — Return the bowel carefully, first washing 
with dilute alcohol, laudanum, and a little carbolic acid. 
Close external opening with truss or stitches. Control 
straining by opium or chloral. When the rectum is much 
swollen, scarify carefully. 

For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 






DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS. 



The kidney is a very susceptible organ. It is easily 
affected by medicine, a fact of great importance to prac- 
titioners. Sometimes medicines given as purges, instead 
of acting on the bowels, apparently expend their whole 
force on the kidneys, giving the urine, which is copious, 
a dark color. This fact probably accounts for mercury 
being so slow in producing salivation. 

A case of single kidney, but of double size, is recorded. 

The urine may contain excess of water, urea, coloring 
matter*, and inorganic constituents ; also a deficiency of 
water and inorganic constituents. There may be altera- 
tion of other organic compounds, the acid constituents 
and extractive matters. It may contain albumen, bile 
compounds, sugar, blood, pus, mucus, calculi, &c. It is 
naturally alkaline in herb-eating and acid in flesh-eating 
animals. It differs in composition in various animals, but 
some of its constituents are identical. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS (NEPHRITIS), 

Is rare. It is usually caused by medicinal irritation — 
turpentine, the resins, cantharides (internal or blister), 
croton oil, &c. ; stimulating food, cold, water diTpping on 
the back and loins, injuries, &c. Eobertson describes two 
forms. He also describes kidney congestion. 

Symptoms. — There are many, but the surest are scanty 
secretion or total suppression of urine ; frequent attempts 
to stale, passing perhaps but a few drops of highly col- 
ored, unhealthy urine. In the stallion retraction (draw- 
ing back) of the testicle on the affected side may be pres- 



11C 



THE DISEASES OF THE HOESE. 



ent. The symptoms are sometimes indicative of colic 
rather than kidney disease. 




Fig. 23. The test for Inflammation of the Kidneys. 



Remedy.— Bleeding if febrile symptoms acute. Aco- 
nite in early stages of acute cases. Gentle laxatives re- 
move waste products and lessen work of kidneys. In sup- 
pression of urine, digitalis decoction repeatedly applied to 
loins. Linseed, diluents, barley water. Promote skin func- 
tions. Alkaline bicarbonates and sulphites as antiseptics. 
Anodyne clysters relieve reflexly. Fomentations or fresh 
sheep skins to loins. Where chronic irritation remains, 
belladonna, opium, camphor as anodynes. 

For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

ALBUMINOUS URINE (ALBUMINURIA), 

Is rare. It is best determined perhaps by chemical tests. 
Tested with bichloride of mercury, it yields a copious 
milky precipitate. If it does not coagulate on exposure 
to heat, add acetic acid, and then prussiate of potash. 



KIDNEY DISOKDERS. 117 

According to Percivall and Williams, the following are 
more or less constant 

Symptoms. — Standing with distended legs, perhaps all 
day, not for staling, but for comfort; or standing "all 
of a heap," back roached, hind legs advanced. When led, 
back and loins stiff; some fever. In severe cases there 
are rigors, accelerated respiration; loud purring at nostrils, 
anxious countenance, small, quick pulse, disinclination to 
move, pain in turning, and usually constipation. 




Fig. 24. Positions assumed when suffering from Albuminous Urine. 

Remedy. — When it arises from other than kidney dis- 
ease, it will cease when the cause is removed. W T hen de- 
pending on kidney disease, the treatment is only palliative. 
Aid kidneys by keeping bowels relaxed with good food ; 
keep skin warm ; avoid cold ; tonics or mineral acids ; 
light work. (Williams.) For list of tonics, see page 37. 

BLOOD IN THE URINE (H/EMATURIA\ 

May appear as bright fluid blood, mixed with the urine, 
or it may contain a brown or dark colored deposit — blood 
corpuscles, existing in entirety or undergoing a change. 
When due to the bladder, it usually follows staling ; when 



118 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

from the urethra, it both precedes and succeeds it. It 
may be caused by external as well as internal injury, dis- 
ease, strains, overwork, &c. 

Remedy. — Oleaginous laxatives; sulphuric acid; iron 
salts ; lead acetate internally. Ergotin and belladonna 
hypodermically. Fresh sheep skins to loins ; spinal hot 
water bag. For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

URINARY STONES (CALCULI), 

Are called ' renal ' when in the kidney ; ' uretal ' when 
in the tube leading from the kidney to the bladder; 
' cystic ' or ' vesical * when in the bladder ; ' urethral ' 
when in the tube leading from the bladder outward. 

Kidney stones usually lodge in the pelvis (cavity) of 
the kidney, but the funnels or canals are also sometimes 
filled with them. Like other calculi they differ in size, 
conformation, and consistence. Some weigh 25 ounces. 

Uretal stones are rare. They may be felt per rectum, 
and may be cut out. 

Bladder stones are somewhat common. There are more 
or less distinct symptoms of their presence, but the best 
way to decide whether they exist or not is to feel per rec- 
tum or vagina, especially when the bladder is empty. The 
operation is easy and safe. Mares have been known, in 
their agony, to expel their stones. 

Urethral stones are somewhat rare. They are usually 
as large as a walnut, and hence cannot pass entirely 
through the canal. They can be felt per rectum, and 
sometimes, when near the external orifice of the penis, 
can be touched with the finger. 

Remedy. — Dilute mineral acids for horse. Alkalies or 
alkaline bicarbonates diminish tendency to urinary depos- 
its, common especially among highly fed rams and wethers. 
Ammonia benzolate helps resolution of phosphatic depos- 
its in sheep. Diluents ; cooling, laxative foods. Raise 
feeding sheep thrice daily and drive them a few hundred 



BLADDER DISORDER. 119 

yards,, to insure urination. Place sheep on buttocks ; the 
sandy deposits in the urethra are gradually moved by ma- 
nipulation. Where the canal is hopelessly blocked, it must 
be opened either at the ischial arch or by amputation of 
the penis. Lithotomy (cutting for stone) in the horse and 
ox and lithotripsy (triturating or powdering) in mare or 
cow, the only means of removing large cystic stones. 
For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

INFLAMMATION OR CATARRH OF THE BLAD- 
DER (CYSTITIS), 

Is usually caused (1) by foreign bodies, such as calculi 
and morbid growths ; (2) by irritating medicines — can- . 
tharides, &c. ; (3) retention of urine. 

Symptoms. — Eestlessness ; paddling or repeated move- 
ing of the hind feet ; occasional whisking of tail ; fre- 
quent discharge of urine in small quantities; pain on 
examining bladder per rectum; in severe and long-stand- 
ing cases, where the contractile power of the sphincter is 
lessened, there may be continuous dribbling of urine ; 
sometimes more or less constitutional disturbance and 
fever; sometimes subacute or chronic cases, which are 
often indicated by pus and other cell structures in the 
urine. 

Remedy. — Oleaginous laxatives, aconite, calomel abate 
fever. Bleeding, followed by above sedatives, in early 
stages, for acute pain and fever. Belladonna, internally 
in clyster, and suppository in vagina, for irritation. Soft- 
ening anodyne injections; hyoscyamus, opium. Eugs 
wrung out of boiling water, or fresh sheep skins to loins. 
Mashes, linseed, boiled barley, diluents. Potassium bicar- 
bonate, or other alkalies internally when urine is acid or 
acrid. Benzoic or boric acid, sulphites, borax, sulpho- 
carbolates, eucalyptus oil when urine alkaline, fermenting, 
or fetid. Syringe female bladder with alkaline solutions 
when urine acrid ; when fetid, with boro-glycerine or 



/ 

120 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

dilute copper sulphate. Buchu, bearberry, eucalyptus in 
chronic vesical catarrh. 
For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

Suppression and Retention of Urine. — Suppression 
signifies non-secretion of urine ; retention inability to pass 
urine. Suppression of urine may result from inflamma- 
tion of the kidneys, or anything else that prevents the 
performance of their functions. Eetention of urine may 
result from spasm or contraction of the neck of the blad- 
der, the lodgment of stones, paralysis, &c. (Percivall.) 

See ' Nephritis ' and ' Cystitis/ 

Cysts in the Kidneys are not rare. A fibrous cyst, 
as large as a fist, discovered by Percivall, contained eight 
ounces of black fluid. The fluid was composed of the 
different elements of the blood, particularly the coloring 
matter. Usually, however, they contain simply the watery 
parts of the blood. 

Enlargement of the Kidneys (one or both) is not 
unusual. In a recorded case one kidney weighed 24 lbs., 
the other 27. In another case the right kidney " was 
supposed to weigh upward of 112 lbs." The left was 
healthy, though rather larger than natural. 

Inversion and Protrusion of the Bladder sometimes 
occurs in foaling. If the protruded parts cannot be re- 
duced and returned, perhaps a ligature may be success- 
fully used. Send for a veterinarian. 



DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF GEN- 
ERATION. 



The diseases of the organs of generation, especially 
those of the male, are rare in this country and England. 
Cause — castration. They are also rare in non-breeding 
females. 

A disease — called by the French ' Maladie du Coit ' (a 
disease of copulation) — much resembling syphilis in man, 
broke out in De Witt county, Illinois, in 1884, the prob- 
able cause of which being an imported and infected French 
stallion. The disease made its way to Kent county, On- 
tario, Canada, in 1887. Great effort was and is being 
made to stamp it out. It is as poisonous apparently as 
glanders-farcy. It is sometimes followed by one or other 
form of this disease (described on page 67). 

EQUINE SYPHILIS (MALADIE DU COIT), 

Is a specific equine constitutional disease, characterized 
by lesions of the urino-genital organs, and communicable 
from coition by either affected horse or mare. (Dan.) 

It is caused by filth, fatty concretions beneath the pre- 
puce, foreign substances within the sheath or urethra, 
acrid injections into the urethra, accidents, violence in 
copulation, &c. (D'Arboval.) 

The disease usually begins at the head of the penis, 
extending upward sometimes as far as the lining of the 
sheath. At first the parts are tense, shining, and pain- 
ful, but as soon as any morbid tissue appears, the lubre- 
f active secretion becomes augmented, thickened, and fetid. 
Sometimes it is mixed with a whitish whey, when the 



122 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

skin of the penis peels off in flakes. Sometimes the dis- 
ease consists of "small, circumscribed, red patches. These 
are succeeded by or converted into little bladders, which, 
bursting, leave chancre-like ulcers. When the disease 
spreads to the urethra, it causes a communicable discharge 
from it. (D'Arboval.) 

The mare, usually in eight or nine days, exhibits uter- 
ine excitement resembling exaggerated sexual heat. The 
vulva becomes swollen ; the mucous membrane of the 
vulva and vagina is reddened; there is a white, yellow, 
grayish, or reddish vaginal discharge, at first of a watery 
nature, which soon increases, becoming thicker, sticky^ 
and viscid, collecting about and soiling the tail and pe- 
rinseum. (W. L. Williams.) 

Dr. Williams, whose experience is confined to the Illi- 
nois outbreak, calls the disease ' Equine Syphilis/ It is 
very insidious at first in the stallion, and is besides very 
deceptive — appearing to be cured when it is not. Of its 
many bad effects, the worst perhaps is paralysis of the 
hind quarters. 

According to most authorities there is a benign form 
of the disease. M. Rodloff says that the benign and ma- 
lignant forms are distinct diseases, and that the former 
never appears with the latter except by accident. 

Remedy. — Mucilaginous and anodyne vaginal injections 
allay irritation in the mare in the early stages. Follow 
with astringent injections of zinc or copper sulphates or 
silver nitrate. Treat male with similar astringents. Cast. 
The blood being very deficient in fibrin, French veterin- 
arians prescribe bouillon of ox blood and horse flesh. 
Crushed oats and beans should also be serviceable. (Dun.) 

For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

Many months often elapse before cure is effected. In 
Prussia stallions are not allowed to be used till three 
years after recovery. 



DISEASES OF THE ORGAN'S OF GENERATION". 123 

INFLAMMATION OF THE MEMBRANE OF THE 
PENIS (BALANITIS), 

Is contagious, especially when of a specific or impure 
form. 

Remedy. — Zinc sulphate or lead subacetate, diluted 
solutions. Zinc oxide ointment. Laxative. Anodyne in- 
jections. Chronic specific cases, often caused by leucor- 
rhea in female, accompanied by effusion and pain, require 
scarification and continued fomentation. Horse or bull 
must be cast and secured. Inflamed ulcerated surfaces 
dressed with zinc oxide ointment, carbolized, or mercuric 
nitrate ointment. Quiet and rest ; dose of physic. Lax- 
ative diet. For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE URETHRA (URE- 
THRITIS), 

Is rare, being peculiar to stallions. Its causes are : Too 
frequent acts of copulation ; copulation with a female 
having inflammation of the vagina, or a vagina small in 
proportion to the male organ ; irritation of the alimen- 
tary canal, caused by drenches, balls of cantharides, &c, 
given to reinvigorate the stallion ; irritation of worms in 
the rectum ; shifting of irritation ; inflammation in the 
bladder; retention of urine. (D'Arboval.) 

Symptoms. — Horse, in act of staling, looks at flanks, 
stamps, switches tail, moaning and showing uneasiness 
when through ; urethra red, swollen, and moist from dis- 
charge. In a few days stales oftener, with increase of 
pain and swelling; discharge increases, grows thicker, 
turns yellow or green ; it may be squeezed out, causing 
streaks of blood perhajDS ; frequent and painful erections ; 
penis grows curved ; engorgement of testicles, spermatic 
cords, scrotum, sheath ; testicles hang lower, sometimes 
swell, growing hard and painful, especially the oblong 
attachment called the epididymis; spermatic cord sym- 



124 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

pathizes and presents a mushroom-like aspect ; exterior 
ulcers and buds on and near lower part of penis ; some- 
times red, exuberant granulations also. (D'Arboval.) 

Remedy. — Copper, zinc, or silver salts injected in dilute 
solution, 1 part to 60 of water. Oils of copaiba and euca- 
lyptus internally and locally. Prevent occlusion (closing) 




Fig. 25. Catheter. 

by cautious introduction of catheter. Persistent obstruc- 
tion in male, from inflammation or gravel, sometimes re- 
quires perineal opening. For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

INFLAMMATION AND CATARRH (LEUCOR- 
RHEA) OF THE VAGINA. 

Acute inflammation, in the absence of injury, is rare. 
In catarrh the discharge is sometimes whey-like, some- 
times yellow and even purulent ; often, in both cases, 
becoming thin, clear, and water-like. The discharge col- 
lects and comes away every time the lips of the vulva 
open with a sort of gush. In general there is not much, 
if any, reddening of the inside of the vagina. 

Remedy. — Siphon or syringe the uterus and vagina 
with tepid alkaline solutions, and subsequently with dilute 



DISEASES OE THE OEGANS OE GENERATION. 125 

carbolic acid or zinc sulphate. Belladonna or iodoform 
in suppository, or injection where there is excessive secre- 
tion or pain. (See Fig. 22.) Copper or iron salts, tur- 
pentine internally, especially in delicate subjects or in 
obstinate recurring cases associated with tuberculosis. 
For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE WOMB (METRITIS), 

Is rare in the mare. It is usually caused by foaling, 
and is accompanied by bloody discharges. Other symp- 
toms resemble colic and inflammation of the bowels, but 
the suffering is not so great. It is common in cows and 
ewes, and is liable to spread by contagion. The inflam- 
mation sometimes extends to the peritoneum. 



Pig. 26. Upper syringe fur womb, &c, with screw for various attachments; 
lower for hypodermic (under the skin) injections. 

Remedy. — Siphon or syringe uterus with tepid water 
and antiseptic. Remove remnants of placenta (the after- 
birth) or blood clots; treat any wounds antiseptically. 
Where walls of uterus are dilated or flaccid, inject solu- 
tion of ergot and belladonna tincture. Rugs wrung out 
of hot water over loins and abdomen, relieve spasm and 
pain. Sulpho-carbolates, sulphites, or hydronaphthol in- 
ternally. If bowels are torpid, half dose of physic, with 
ginger, gentian, and molasses, and promote effect by lax- 
ative injections. Remove urine by catheter. Sustain the 
strength by generous diet, tonics, and stimulants. Sepa- 
rate from pregnant or suckling animals. Disinfect. 



126 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

HYSTERIA 

Is usually caused by sexual heat. Sometimes it is the 
result of nervous, convulsive, or spasmodic affections. 
Breeding is perhaps the best remedy for sexual heat. 

Symptoms. — Clenching jaws, grinding teeth, squint- 
ing ; unrelaxing spasms alternated with relaxing ; kick- 
ing, stamping, and other signs of nervous excitement; 
sometimes rapid opening and closing of vulva. &c. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE TESTICLES. 

Remedy. — Fomentations, anodynes, a dose of physic, 
support testicle. Iodine liniment; potassium iodide in- 
ternally. Tubercular form intractable ; castrate in early 
stage. For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

PROTRUDED PENIS (PARAPHYMOSIS), 

Is sometimes caused by loss of power (paralysis). In 
the stallion there are many other causes, such as excessive 
copulation, friction before copulation, by rubbing against 
female ; kicks and other injuries ; introduction into amis ; 
attempt to cover a 'ringed mare;' irritating substances 
(medicines) in prepuce ; warts, &c. 

Remedy. — Amputate if necessary. 

Confined (unprotrudable) Penis (phymosis) is very 
rare. 

Amputation of the Penis is practicable, and is some- 
times resorted to as a cure for warts, ulcers, cancer, pro- 
trusion, &c. 

Cancerous Tumor of the Vulva is recorded. As it 
did not yield to treatment, but gradually enlarged till it 
rilled "two-thirds of the vulva," the mare was destroyed. 
The tumor existed nearly three years. 



DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF GENERATION". 12? 

Dropsy of the Womb (Hydrometra), causes great 
distention of the belly. In a recorded, case the uterus 
was filled with six quarts of thick, white matter, resem- 
bling healthy pus. 

Diseases of the Ovaries usually consist of watery or 
bloody tumors, sometimes accompanied by dropsy. The 
tumors, which sometimes weigh as much as 30 lbs., may 
become cancerous. 

Abscess of the Scrotum is described by Percivall. 
The swelling filled one side of the scrotum of a gelding. 
It was opened and then fomented. Cured. 

Self-Abuse is not very rare in stallions. The remedy 
is a net made for the purpose. 



DISEASES OF THE HEART. 



Diseases of the heart are best distinguished from pul- 
monary diseases, with which they are often confounded, 
by auscultation. The heart's beats may be felt, heard, and 
counted, in either health or disease, and can therefore be 
contrasted. The contrast between the action of a healthy 
and a diseased heart should be carefully studied. Apply 
the flat of the hand or the ear to the left side, just be- 
hind the elbow. The stethoscope (a hollow or perforated 
piece of wood) may also be used. In health two succes- 
sive sounds, followed by an interval of silence, are heard. 
Exercise and agitation increase the heart's action. 




Fig. 27. A horse with Heart Disease. 

Persistent coldness of the extremities, swelling of the 
legs, chest, and abdomen, fainting fits, dizziness, languor, 
difficult breathing, especially after severe exertion, are 
more or less constant symptoms of heart disease. 

Disease of the heart is either the result of functional 
disturbance or structural alteration. Disease of the heart 
and its membranes may be either acute or chronic. 



DISEASES OF THE HEAET. 129 

INFLAMMATION OF THE PERICARDIUM 
(PERICARDITIS). 

The pericardium is the watery, membranous bag that 
contains the heart. Pericarditis may be the result of cold, 
exposure, or fatigue, but it is oftener the result of rheu- 
matic fever, strangles, influenza, purpura, blood contam- 
inations, diseases of the lungs, pleura, and heart itself, 
cancer, parasitic growths, wounds, &c. 

The disease, says Percivall, usually follows or is secon- 
dary to pleurisy. The effusions of water and lymph pe- 
culiar to pleurisy are often found within the pericardium, 
"as though one membrane had sympathized with the 
other." The lymph is mostly disposed in layers on the 
internal surface of the sac and the exterior of the heart 
to such a degree as to cause adhesion between the two. 
It is of an albuminous character. In time, when lining 
the pericardium, it becomes firm, thin, and white. In a 
recorded case it was of the nature of cartilage, and about 
an eighth of an inch in thickness. 

The symptoms of pericarditis are exceedingly variable. 
(Eobertson.) 

Remedy. — Cautious bleeding, followed by small doses 
of aconite, is serviceable in acute independent cases, but 
is unsuitable in second stages or in epizootic attacks. 

Morphine hypodermically usually relieves acute pain. 
Woolen cloths wrung out of hot water to chest for an 
hour or two at a time. Soaj) liniment, - l-20th part opium 
tincture, rubbed in freely between fomentations. Sodium 
bicarbonate and sulphate in drinking water relieve fever 
and maintain action of bowels. Digitalis may be used 
carefully when heart action is feeble and rajaid. In more 
advanced stage, and when fluid is effused, supporting 
treatment needful. Moderate doses of stimulants ; potas- 
sium or ferrous iodide, with mustard or cantharides to 
chest. Digitalis and strychnine assist absorption of fluid 



130 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

by raising blood pressure in kidney arteries and promoting 
urination. 

Where dropsy of the pericardium (hydrops pericardii 
persists, remove fluid by special trocar. This is sometimes 
described as a distinct disease. 

For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

PALPITATION OF THE HEART 

Is usually tumultuous and rapid action. Sometimes 
there is a peculiar sound and irregular heart and arterial 
pulsations. Sometimes the heart action seems completely 
confused, and sometimes there is intermittency. The 
palpitation may be continuous or only at intervals. 

The causes of palpitation may be too much blood, blood 
contamination, poverty of blood, &c. Nervous and ex- 
citable temperament, debility, exhaustion, and youth are 
said to be predisposing causes. 

Remedy. — Rest, quiet, generous diet. Iron tonics for 
anaemic murmurs (a sound caused by deficiency of blood). 
Small doses of aconite for violent action. Digitalis for 
weak and irregular action. Bromides for irregular a7id 
fluttering action. Laxatives for digestive derangement. 
Belladonna for strain or overexertion. Strychnine is a 
heart tonic. (For a list of heart and other tonics, see 
page 37.) 

Where there is fainting or loss of sensation and motion, 
dash cold water over the head ; ammonia to nostrils. If 
the condition results from loss of blood, transfuse blood 
from a healthy and vigorous horse. 

For closes, see pages 13 to 29. 

OTHER HEART DISEASES. 

There are other heart diseases, such as inflammation of 
both the membrane and substance of the heart (endocard- 
itis and carditis) ; both enlargement and wasting of the 
heart ; fatty changes in the heart ; rupture of the heart, 






RAKE DISEASES OF THE HEART. 131 

and also the pericardium ; adventitious growths in connec- 
tion with the heart, such as parasitic and malignant;, fibroid 
and vascular tumors ; disease of the valves and orifices ; 
ossification (rare) ; air in the heart ; enlargement of the 
aorta. 

The symptoms of most of these affections — many of 
which are rare — are puzzling even to veterinarians. 

Where heart disease is suspected, avoid overwork and 
excitement. 



DISEASES OF THE LIVER. 



Diseases of the liver are somewhat rare in horses. The 
probable cause is simplicity of diet. Hot climates, as in 
man, seem to be conducive of equine liver disease. Liver 
diseases are often insidious. They are sometimes mistaken 
for lung diseases. Next to the lungs the liver seems to be 
the most frequent seat of tubercles. Sometimes it is soft 
or rotten and clay colored ; sometimes hard and tough, the 
color, however, being natural. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER (HEPATITIS), 

Seems to be of three kinds or degrees — the cover or 
membrane, the substance of the liver, or both. Percivall 
and Williams give the following 

Symptoms. — Dull ; head heavy; eyes drooping and lus- 
terless ; occasional cough ; no appetite ; apparent inward 
pain, but not acute ; stands up ; very feverish ; in two 
or three days the fever or diffused bile, causes the mouth 
and eyes to become yellow, the blood golden-hued and 
specked with yellow, floating particles; dung balls im- 
bued with bile and sometimes coated with viscid, bilious, 
mucous-like, reddish-brown matter, leaving an opium-like 
stain when rubbed on white paper ; urine scanty and 
thick, with bilious tinge and copious sediment ; may lie 
on left side, but soon rises ; right side tender, if not 
somewhat swollen ; when standing, points (rests) the off 
(right) fore limb ; pulse quick, strong, bounding ; breath- 
ing sometimes disturbed, sometimes not ; stupid ; dizzy ; 
staggers; danger of apoplexy or bursting of liver. 



DISEASES OF THE LIVEK. 133 

Remedy. — Purgatives, salines, ammonia chloride. Ac- 
onite for fever. Ipecac. Foment and stimulate over liver. 
Digestible, laxative food. Exercise after relief of acute 
symptoms. Nitro-hydrochloric acid in chronic cases. Sa- 
lines and careful dietary safer than more active remedies 
when the inflammation or congestion is associated with 
epizootic or other disease. For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

Congestion of the Liver. — Eobertson describes three 
kinds — the passive, the active, and the biliary. These, 
which may be the result of lung or heart disease, sudden 
chills, specific fevers, blood contamination, too much or 
improper food, lack of exercise, &c, seem to be preludes 
to inflammation of the liver. 

Eobertson also describes ' Scirrhosis of the Liver,' a 
chronic or subacute inflammation of the interconnective 
liver tissue ; ' Fatty Liver/ ' Albuminoid or Lardaceous 
(lard or wax) Liver/ &c. 

Liver Concretions. — Bigot found 90 concretions in 
the bile ducts of a liver. The cavities were enlarged and 
their walls thickened, but there were no indications of 
liver disease during life. The same horse had a salivary 
calculus (stone). 

Hydatid Tumors of the Liver are rare. They are 
bladder-like, and vary in size from a hazel-nut to an or- 
ange, containing a clear fluid and numerous organisms 
(mites). They cause very little if any disturbance. 

Rupture of the Liver is caused by external violence, 
overdistention with blood or bile, &c. Fatal. 

JAUNDICE OR YELLOWS (ICTERUS). 

Is a symptom of disease rather than disease itself. It 
is usually attributed to either deranged bile secretion or 
bile distribution. When the bile is taken into the blood 



13-4 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

instead of its natural channel — the alimentary canal — it 
imparts a yellow tinge to the eyes, nose, mouth, skin, 
urine, and sometimes the dung. The latter is sometimes 
clay colored. Sometimes the bowels are deranged and 
there is a " defective movement of the right fore limb," 
a dry, scurfy, and itchy state of the skin, loss of appe- 
tite, strength, &c. 

Remedy.— In ordinary cases light, digestible food will 
sometimes suffice. A laxative, alternated with salines, 
clears away excess of bile, and promotes a healthy action 
of the liver. Ammonia chloride and salines useful where 
a case is complicated with duodenal catarrh. (The duo- 
denum is the first of the small intestines.) 

When depending on suppression of bile, apply mustard 
or other stimulant over liver. Thickened ox bile, in bo- 
lus, twice a day, with moderate doses of aromatic spirit 
of ammonia between. Nitro-hydrochloric acid, and quin- 
ine with it when the patient is weak. 

For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

Little relief can be given in jaundice when it is caused 
by scirrhosis or fatty degeneration. 



DISEASES OF THE SPLEEN. 



Diseases of the spleen are somewhat rare, but some 
of them, such as moderate enlargement, &c, may exist for 
years without causing serious inconvenience. The spleen 
weighs from 3 to 4 pounds. When enlarged it sometimes 
weighs from 14 to 20 and even 50 pounds. 

Percivall describes inflammation, cancer, and rupture of 
the spleen. Williams says atrophy (wasting), thrombosis 
(coagulation, of blood), tubercle, cancer, hydatids, and 
ossification are found after death. He also says that 
American horses suffer from an intermittent fever in 
which the spleen becomes enlarged. Eobertson describes 
surface growths of the spleen, the same in size as those 
of the liver (from hazel-nut to orange), of grayish-white 
color and usually firm consistence, with an immense num- 
ber of tubercle-bacilli (mites). Some of these latter cases 
cause much debility. 



DISEASES OF THE EYES. 



PERIODIC OPHTHALMIA (MOON-BLINDNESS), 

Is a specific inflammation of most of the structures of 
the eye. Kelapses occur, lasting from 2 to 14 days. It 
is dangerous, and is liable to be followed by a still more 
dangerous disease — cataract. It is hereditary, but it may 
be caused by rheumatic predisposition or blood contami- 
nation, a bite or blow, foreign substances under the lid, 
overwork, especially the young, filthy and badly ventilated 
stables, the eruption of the tushes, compression of the 
roots of the molar teeth on the fifth pair of nerves, work- 
ing in coal-pits or other dark places, &c. 





Fig. 28. First appearance of Fig. 29. Its termination. 

Periodic Ophthalmia. 

Symptoms. — First or inflammatory stage : Upper lid 
droops; tears in superabundance; lids, venous vessels, 
and conjunctive membrane swollen ; the globe dull and 
sunken ; circumference of cornea sometimes exhibits a 
broad, nebulous circle ; front chamber, at first usually 
clear, becomes so obscured that the pupil is hardly dis- 
tinguishable _; the pupil is contracted and resembles the 



THE DISEASES OF THE ETES. 



137 



black eye of a garden bean; cornea, if not already, soon 
becomes obscured ; this obscures the pupil and iris. 

Second stage : Gradual decline of inflammation and 
tardy clearing of the cornea; iris altered in color and 
lusterless; pupil contracted but less sensitive to light; 
whitish or yellowish lymph effusions in chamber; these 
and other favorable signs indicate recovery, but a relapse 
usually occurs in a few days. 

Remedy. — The periodic or specific form is incurable, 
but it is relieved by purges, febrifuges, anodynes, bella- 
donna, or atrophine locally and internally. 

For simple inflammation of the eye, occurring in all 




Fig. 30. The haw. 




Fig. 31. Tenaculum. 



animals : Remove any foreign body, securing the haw, if 
necessary, with a tenaculum or stitch. Fomentation with 
tepid water and decoction of poppy-heads abates irritation, 
whether depending on foreign body or cold. Half dose 
physic. Where inflammation severe, bleed from angular 
vein. Belladonna and atrophine, locally and generally, 
diminish irritation and prevent adhesion of iris. Steam 
head when occurring with swelled lids, as in influenza at- 
tacks, Shade the eye. 



138 



THE DISEASES OE THE HOUSE. 



Silver nitrate and other astringent solutions for chronic 
For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

CATARACT 

Is opacity of the lens or its capsule. Percivall says it 
may also be the result of an effusion of an opaque fluid 
between the two. The opacity may be the result of in- 
jury or disease. 

Cataract is a common cause of either total or partial 
blindness. It usually follows ophthalmia, but ophthalmia 
may attack a cataractous eye. Cataracts are white, black, 
green, yellow, brown, ash-colored, &c. At first they are 
soft, but they acquire firmness by age. Some are called 





Fig. 32. Partial Cataract 



Fig. 33. Complete Cataract. 



bony cataracts. They vary in size from a pin's point to 
a pea. 

Percivall speaks of both spontaneous and congenital 
cataracts; D'Arboval of a fluid cataract, which, from its 
whiteness, is called milky; Gibson of colts being foaled 
with cataracts or pearls in their eyes. 

Lenticular cataracts grow slowly — 1, 2, or more years. 
The other kinds may appear in a few days, or even hours, 
and without any detectible inflammation or previous dis. 
ease. Capsular cataract is caused usually perhaps by ex. 
ternal injury. It is easily distinguished, and seems to be 
absorbable. 



GLASS-EYE, ETC. 139 

In cataract with ophthalmia the iris frequently becomes 
contracted and adheres to the capsule of the lens, thus 
causing a permanently small pupil. 

Remedy. — Extraction by operation. Belladonna or at- 
rophiue dilate the pupil for diagnosis (distinguishment), 
alternated with physostygmine for obtaining free move- 
ment of iris. Phosphoreted oil, instilled into human eye, 
if borne, leads to final absorption. 

For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

Green Cataract (Glaucoma), is opacity of the vitre- 
ous humor (glass-like fluid) of the eye. Incurable. Cut- 
ting out (iridectomy) affords relief. Physostygmine dimin- 
ishes intraocular pressure (pressure within the eye). 

AMAUROSIS OR GUTTA SERENA (GLASS- 
EYE), 

Is caused by paralysis of the optic nerve and retina. 
There may be many causes of the paralysis, such as dis- 
eases of remote as well as contiguous parts, excessive bleed- 
ing, narcotic poisons, drinking too much cold water when 
heated, pressure from a tumor, &c. There is no visible 
defect in the eye — nothing abnormal except its great bril- 
liancy, from which it takes its name. 

Symptoms. — Head and ears erect, the latter set in 
motion to learn the cause of any alarming noise; lofty 
step ; eyes insensible to light ; pupils usually fixed and 
widely dilated ; sometimes there is a sluggish motion and 
only moderate dilatation, &c. 

Remedy* — Except when dejoending on brain disorder 
or debility, it is incurable. Blisters; setons around or- 
bit. Strychnine in traumatic (wound) cases; also those 
of nerve wasting, but unsuitable where there are brain 
symptoms. For doses, see pages 13 to 29, 



140 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

WORM IN THE EYE 

Is rare in this country, but is common in India. It is 
like "an eel in a basin of water," but is not always in 
sight, for it may hide behind the iris. Dr. Gibbs (of 
India) has seen two worms in an eye at once. He has 
also seen a second worm appear months after the removal 
of the first. They are peculiar to cold weather and wet 
seasons. Similar worms are found in the stomach and 
intestines. They probably reach the eyes through the 
blood. If no operation is performed, blindness may result. 
But the worm may die and become absorbed. 




Fig. 34. Trocars. An operation for "Worm in the Ej T e would require a 
special trocar. 



The only remedy of course is to trocar or lance the eye, 
an operation the skillful surgeon only can perform. 

"WATERY EYES" 

Are uncommon. The real cause of the overflow of tears 
is obstruction of the tear canals, which run from the eyes 
to the nostrils ; but superabundant secretion of tears may 
sometimes occur perhaps. It seems to be analogous to 
stricture of the urethra in man. The canal is not uni« 



THE DISEASES OF THE EYES. 141 

form in size, diminishing at first, then enlarging, besides 
which it is tortuous near its center. 

Remedy. — Syringe from above, and below also, if nec- 
essary. If this fails, probe. 

ENLARGEMENT OF THE LACHRYMAL 
CARUNCLE. 

The lachrymal caruncle is a small, reddish, follicular 
body, situate at the inner angle of the eye. It is harm- 
less when small. Its removal is sometimes followed by 
more or less inflammation and sometimes " watery eyes." 
Percivall removed one as large as a marble by ligature, 
tightening the cord on the second, fourth, and sixth days, 
when the excrescence (for such it had become) fell off. 
The operation caused great local disturbance, but it did 
not show itself till twelve days afterward. Bathing the 
eye, purging, and salivation with calomel followed. Ee- 
covered . 

TUMORS AND FUNGUS OF THE ORBIT. 

Percivall operated successfully on an exostosis (bony 
tumor) of the orbital arch, which had grown to the size 
of a horse-chestnut. It half eclipsed and pressed upon 
the eye. Doctor Perry treated a 3-days-old foal that was 
said "to have no eyes." He found a fungus within the 
orbit of the near side about the size of a pistol-ball, with- 
out any organic structure. That of the other orbit was 
of similar appearance, but somewhat larger, with the ad- 
dition of the haw. 

All tumors interfering with the sight or the movements 
of the eye should be removed. 



DISEASES OF THE TEETH, MOUTH, 
LIPS, ETC. 



DECAY OR CARIES OF THE TEETH 

Is rare, especially in young horses. The back teeth or 
molars suffer more than the front teeth (incisors). They 
are sometimes broken by stones or other hard substances 
in the food. A severe blow over their roots sometimes 
causes caries and the ultimate loss of the tooth. It is 
possible to stop decay, especially of the front teeth, by 
filling. 

Care of the teeth is a matter of great importance. Mas- 
tication of the food is indispensable to digestion, and di- 
gestion to health. Owing to the fact that horses' teeth 
(except the tushes, which are practically useless), grow 
throughout life — the growth counteracting the wear and 
the wear the growth — sharp and dangerous projections 
sometimes cause lacerations. When the teeth meet in 
perfect apposition— grinding surface to grinding surface — 
the wear is regular; when they do not, the unworn parts 
vill soon project. When they cause laceration of the cheek 
>r tongue, file them, but do not interfere with the natural 
hint of the tables (crown or grinding surfaces). The 
natural slant must be preserved, or mastication cannot be 
properly performed. The molar teeth of the horse are in 
this respect the reverse of human teeth. 

Supernumerary teeth and dental cysts require surgical 
skill. The so-called wolf teeth (really remnant teeth, for 
they are the remains of what were once functionally de- 
veloped teeth), that appear in front of the first upper 



DISORDERS OF THE TEETH. 



143 



molars, sometimes cause more or less trouble. It is bet- 
ter to extract them, which any one can do with ordinary 
forceps. 




Fig. 35. Abnormal growth begins at dotted line. 

Figure 35 represents a back molar tooth which, on ac- 
count of the loss of the opposite tooth, grew till it killed 
the horse. 

PARROT-MOUTH 

Consists in the upper front teeth — from irregularity and 
overgrowth — projecting in front of the lower, like the 



144 



THE DISEASES OP THE HORSE. 



upper bill of the parrot. The lower incisors are liable, 
also from overgrowth, to injure the roof of the month. 
Grazing is difficult and sometimes almost impracticable ; 
bnt the animal may be fed from the manger. The rem- 
edy is usually only palliative. Forceps, files, and surgical 




teeth grown ten lines too long. 



skill are required, not only for parrot-mouth, but for many 
other irregularities of the teeth, molars as well as incisors. 

CRIB-BITING 

Is doubly injurious to the horse. It wears and some- 
times breaks its teeth and gives it the colic — crib-biters' 
colic — which is caused by the sucking in of air. Fur- 
ther, loss of saliva impairs digestion. The vice is a spe- 
cies of unsoundness. Breaking the front teeth interferes 
with grazing. 

Remedy. — Iron stable fittings. Manger, when not in 
use, turned into recess in wall. Use muzzle or spiked 
neck-strap. Concentrated, digestible food. Chalk, ant- 
acids, and an occasional laxative relieve the indigestion 
from which crib-biters usually suffer. Separate crib-biters 
from other horses, as they imitate and acquire the habit. 
For a list of antacids, see page 31. 



DENTAL INSTRUMENTS. 



145 




DENTAL INSTKUMEISTS. 



14? 




DENTAL INSTRUMENTS. 



149 




DEXTAL IXSTRUMEXTS. 



151 



26 27 




NAMES OF THE INSTRUMENTS. 

1, 2, Adjustable Tooth Files. 3, Going's Tooth Chisel. 4, French model 
of same. ' 5, Tooth Mallet. 6, French model Tooth Saw. 7, Narrow Tooth 
Chisel. 8, Narrow Tooth Gouge. 9, Tooth Rasp, guarded. 10, Extra 
blade for Adjustable File. 11, Heavy Forceps. 12, Going's Forceps. 
13, House's Cutting Forceps. 14, House's Pulling Forceps. 15, Wolf 
Tooth Forceps. 16, Wide Chisel. 17, Cutting Forceps, French model. 18, 
Moller's Cutting Forceps. 19, Cutting Forceps, French model. 20, 21, 22, 
23, House's Cutting Forceps. 24, Narrow Gouge. 25, Bow Tooth Saw. 
26, Key. 27. Plain Tooth Saw. 28, Chain Tooth Saw. 29, Fine ferruled 
Tooth Saw. 30, Narrow Tooth Chisel. 31, Hurlburt's Gum Knife and 
Tooth Pick. 



DISEASES OF THE MOUTH, ETC. 153 

LAMPAS 

Is congestion, fever and swelling of the gums and bars 
of the mouth. It is pecu^ar to the young, but occurs 
sometimes in the aged also. The eruption of the teeth, 
especially the tushes, is probably the chief cause" in the 
case of the young, and their continuous growth through- 
out life the chief cause in that of the old. Direct irri- 
tation, bits, the action of certain foods, and gastric dis- 
order are also causes. 

The remedy is lancing the gums and bars. Let the 
blood out. Burning is not only useless but barbarous. 
Soft or green food and astringent wash if necessary. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE MOUTH (STOMA- 
TITIS), 

Is simple or catarrhal, vesicular, pustular, and ulcera- 
tive. It is peculiar to the young, and is attributed to 
defective sanitary conditions, improper diet, and the effect 
of wasting diseases. 

A contagious pustular form of the disease occurred in 
Berlin, Prussia, in 1876. 

Remedy. — Careful feeding, laxatives, salines for gastric 
disorder. In sucking foals and calves, besides local treat- 
ment, see that the mother's milk is healthy and that she 
is properly fed. Potassium chlorate or borax and glycer- 
ine solution. Dress ulcers with glycerite of tannin, or 
paint with silver nitrate, 10 grains to ounce of water. 

For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE TONGUE (GLOS- 
SITIS), 

Is rare. 

Remedy. — Irrigate with mild astringent solutions. Ap- 
ply bismuth, oxymel, molasses, or vinegar. Soft, nutritive 
food. Scarify if the swelling is extensive, - If laxatives 



154 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

cannot be given per mouth, inject. For doses, see pages 
13 to 29. 

Tumor of the Lip, usually the lower, causes more or 
less swelling. It is about the size of a pigeon's egg, has 
a firm feel, is hot, and gives pain when pressed. Its or- 
igin may, as a rule, be spontaneous, but it has been 
known to arise from a bite or a sting. It usually bursts 
internally in two or three days, discharging pus. Cleanse 
and inject with a solution of alum or borax daily. 

Tumor of the Face is peculiar to young horses and 
usually appears on the side, between the eye and the an- 
gle of the mouth. Like other exostoses, they grow from 
the bone ; are round, broad at their bases, with little heat 
and very little tenderness. They may be caused by blows, 
and perhaps also by caries (bone rot). They do no great 
harm unless they become fistulous ; but they greatly dis- 
figure the face. 

Salivary Calculi (stone-like concretions), are sometimes 
found in the salivary glands, usually within their canals, 
the parotid duct (canal), &c. An oat or other substance 
penetrates the canal, or possibly pierces the cheek. It is 
the nucleus for a stone-like or tartar-like concretion. Its 
growth is slow. Sometimes it is superficial in depth, when 
it can be seen or felt ; but sometimes it is deep. Some- 
times it lacerates the membrane of the mouth, grating 
against the teeth. It will usually more or less obstruct 
the flow of saliva. Sometimes it causes swelling. 

Stricture of the Esophagus ((Esophagus) is rare and 
usually fatal. The tube (throat) sometimes becomes so 
contracted at the part affected that it will not admit the 
little finger. As the horse cannot swallow solid food, deatb 
results from starvation. 

Dr. Cheetham treated a case successfully by opening 



DISORDERS OF THE THROAT. 155 

the tube and passing probangs. The first, an inch and a 
half in diameter, was followed by larger ones, which were 
passed two or three times a day for ten days. Afterward 
the owner of the animal passed the probang occasionally 
himself. The stricture was seated at the point where the 
tube enters the chest. A sac or pouch three or four inches 
in diameter had formed near the stricture, and had acted 
as a receptacle for food. 

Rupture of the Esophagus.— Dr. Cartwright reports 
a case of rupture eight inches long that " had evidently 
been made with some sharp or rough instrument." The 
mare died in eight days. A sheep's probang stopped at 
one-third of the neck. 

Opening the Esophagus. — The esophagus lies near 
but is deeper than, and, toward its center, somewhat to 
the left of the windpipe. The incision must be made 
carefully on account of the proximity of the jugular veins, 
carotid arteries, &c. If the nature of the case will per- 
mit, open the left side of the neck, three inches longi- 
tudinally below its upper third, or near or at its center. 
An assistant should press on the jugular. Near the wind- 
pipe will be found " a firm, cordiform, shining, red sub- 
stance." This is the esophagus. Draw it outward with 
a blunt hook, and make a longitudinal incision. Use a 
tube if the case requires it. When through, stitch the 
esophagus with silk and close the external wound with 
pins. Apply a compress. Give liquid or soft food till 
the wound heals. 

Choking is usually the result of improper mastication 
and greediness. Whole grains of corn, a small potato, 
large pieces of turnip, egg shells, a hard ball of food — ■ 
even of grass — will sometimes lodge in the throat. Some- 
times a draft of water or the hand will clear the passage, 



156 THE DISEASES OF THE HOKSE. 

but a probang is usually necessary. A cane, flexible if 
to be had, a whalebone, the butt end of a whip, or any 
similar instrument will answer the purpose. 




Fig. 37. The Probang. 

Dr. Holmes saved a horse from choking by opening the 
esophagus and removing the obstruction. Dr. King saved 
another by cutting down to the esophagus only. Finding 
the obstruction, a ball of medicine, pliable, he manipulated 
it. It was then washed down with water. 



DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 



Diseases of the skin, though common, are of less im- 
portance relatively than many other diseases; but they 
are deserving of careful attention notwithstanding this 
fact. Inability to perform work, not to mention disfig- 
urement, alone renders the subject worthy of study. It 
is noteworthy that a remedy that benefits one skin dis- 
ease will benefit others more or less. The diseases may 
be caused by agencies from without as well as from with- 
in, both of which must be considered in the treatment. 

Two liniments suitable for persistent skin diseases, en- 
larged glands, and chronic indurations (hardened parts) 
are as follows : 

1. Mercurial ointment, 2 ounces; camphor, 1 dram; 
oil of tar, 3 ounces; linseed oil, 4 ounces. 

2. Mercurial ointment, 2 ounces; creosote, 1 dram; 
liquor ammoniae, 2 ounces; linseed oil, 6 ounces. 

ERYTHEMA (Red, Rose-Colored), 

Is a superficial inflammation of the skin, usually oc- 
curring in patches more or less extensive, with sometimes 
a certain amount of effusion into the deeper layers. It 
is non-contagious, independent or symptomatic, active or 
passive. 

There are several forms of the disease — among them 
mud fever — the mildest of which are troublesome. It 
often results from injury. The patches are slightly ele- 
vated, sometimes with well-defined margins, at others 
gradually shading off into the healthy skin. There is 
more or less exudation, scaling, and itching. 



158 



THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 



Remedy. — Laxatives, especially in gastro-iutestinal irri- 
tation. Salines in drinking water, such as Epsom salt. 
Bicarbonate of potash and glycerine, or glycerine and 
water. When the chafing is severe, a solution of tannic 
acid with glycerine ; or an ointment of tannic acid and 
opium; or paint with a weak solution of nitrate of sil- 
ver 1 part to 12 of water; or dust with flour. Blisters, 
diuretics, and arsenic and quinine internally if necessary. 

For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

Horses liable to mud fever should not have the hair of 
the leg removed, nor should the legs be washed. 

NETTLE-RASH OR SURFEIT (URTICARIA), 

Consists of irregularly distributed patches of nettle-sting- 
like eruptions ; soft, but possessing moderate resistance to 
the touch. The patches usually appear and disappear with 




Fig. 38. Nettle-Rash or Surfeit. 

equal rapidity, sometimes in a few hours. In some cases, 
however, they persist for a week. One crop may follow 
another. There is little scaling, but more or less itching. 
Sometimes the coat remains slightly open for a while. 



DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 159 

The horse is often languid and moderately feverish. In 
a few cases the bowels and kidneys are affected. When 
the patches appear around the eyes and throat they dis- 
figure the horse and threaten serious results. 

The disease usually appears in the spring, and is usu- 
ally caused by high feeding and little work. Percivall 
says the eruptions may attack the air passages. 

Remedy.— Wash : Bichloride of mercury, 12 grains; 
dilute hydrocyanic acid, 4 drams; glycerine or almond 
mixture, 2 ounces ; water, 10 ounces. A laxative and 
attention to diet. Salines, antiseptics, and tonics are ser- 
viceable in debilitated subjects. 

For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

LICHEN (Pimples) AND PRURIGO (Itching), 

Are described by Kobertson as different forms of skin 
papulation (pimples). Both are chronic rather than acute. 
In lichen the pimples are relatively larger in the horse 
than in man. By abrasion there may be much exudation 
and crusting in both lichen and prurigo. In lichen the 
pimples do not suppurate, but they shed bran-like scales. 
In prurigo they are more varied in size and are further 
apart. The skin is hard, dry, and wrinkled. There are 
collections of pus beneath the crusts, great shedding of 
scales, itching, and sometimes swelling of the lymphatic 
glands, with constitutional disturbance. Parasites are 
sometimes present. 

The causes of these diseases seem to be more general 
or constitutional than local. Malassimilation and defec- 
tive nutrition seem to be important factors. Heredity is 
probable. 

Remedy. — If the animal is weak, good food, fresh air, 
tonics. If strong, gentle purge, moderate but daily doses 
of salines, such as sulphate of soda or magnesia. For 
severe itching 2 or 3 applications of the following mix- 
ture : Nitrate of silver, 2 grains ; cyanide of potassium, 3 



160 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

grains; water 1 ounce. Sulphur iodide and wood tar 
oils are alternated night and morning when the skin in 
chronic cases is much thickened. 
For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

ECZEMA (CUTANEOUS CATARRH), 

Of which there are four varieties, seems to be an inflam- 
mation of the superficial layers of the skin, accompanied 
by pimples, vesicles, or pustules, itching, and sometimes 
scales and partial baldness. It is one of the commonest 
skin diseases, and is liable to be confounded with other 
diseases of its class, especially itch and erysipelas. It is 
exudative or moist, and is caused apparently by anything 
that disturbs the healthy action of the skin. It is the 
result sometimes perhaps of nerve paralysis. It is dis- 
posed to appear in successive crops, and is usually inde- 
pendent. It is most frequent over the neck, trunk, quar- 
ters and around some of the orifices. The eruptive dis- 
charges, sometimes sero-purulent, are disposed to collect 
in crusts, which, if rubbed, aggravate and prolong the 
disease. 

Remedy, — Simple form : Laxative, cooling diet. Pre- 
vent biting and rubbing. Clip long hair. As vesicles 
dry, apply zinc oxide and kaolin, alternated with tar oil. 
Where discharges are profuse and skin puffy, apply as- 
tringents dry ; zinc oxide, mixed with 6 or 8 parts kaolin 
or starch, or dust surfaces with bismuth ternitrate. 

More inflammatory and moist form : Cleanse with soap 
and water. Soak repeatedly with mercurous oxide wash, 
and dress with zinc oxide ointment. Lead acetate with 
glycerine and water for the inflammatory weeping stages. 
Stronger lead lotions, with chloroform or laudanum, or 
both, for dry, itching surfaces. Where spots are limited, 
paint with 2 grains silver nitrate to ounce of water, or 
water and glycerine. Laxatives, salines, cooling diet for 
hot skin and fever. 



SKIN DISEASES. 1G1 

Pus form : Mercurous oxide wash. Zinc or lead ace- 
tate solutions, watery or oleaginous. Occasional dressing 
with eucalyptol or thymol abate suppuration and itching. 
Opiuni and belladonna tinctures with astringents for irri- 
tation and pain. Attend to bowels and kidneys. Mineral 
acids and tonics internally. Digestible, nutritive diet. 

Scales form : Soak crusts with oil till loose ; remove. 
Stimulate skin with a dressing of 1 part oleum picis ; 4 
parts potassium carbonate and sublimed sulphur, and 30 
each of lard and olive oil. Leave on 2 or 3 days. Wash 
off with soap and warm water. Wood tar oil or sulphur 
iodide locally. Continue acid and tonic treatment, and 
give arsenic. Hydrocyanic acicl, potassium cyanide, ben- 
zoin, chloral, chloroform, camphor, or cocaine relieve the 
itching in all stages. A blister sometimes reestablishes 
healthy action in chronic cases. 

For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

Sublimed sulphur (flowers of sulphur) is prepared by 
distilling the crude sulphur and conducting it in the state 
of vapor into large chambers, where it condenses in a fine, 
spherically granulated, yellow powder. 

HERPES (Creeping, Spreading), 

Is usually of two kinds. The first, peculiar to sucking 
foals, is composed of vesicles somewhat larger than those 
of eczema, and is found in irregular patches at the junc- 
tion of the skin with mucous membranes. The second, 
peculiar to adult life, is composed of pimples, vesicles, or 
pustules irregularly distributed over the body in circular 
patches, the hair of which soon faHs off, exposing the 
eruptions and a slightly scaly skin. There is probably a 
parasitic form. 

The eruptions do not often break, their contents being 
either absorbed or dried. For the first week they are 
disposed to spread, the hair around the margins appear- 
ing to die for want of nutrition, but reappearing when 



162 



THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 



the scaling process is completed, usually in two or three 
weeks. There is little itching and rarely any noticeable 
constitutional disturbance. The disease is thought to be 
caused by nerve paralysis. It is probably not contagious. 

Remedy. — Alkaline wash, after which rub in vaselin. 
Boro-glycerine with a drop of hydrocyanic acid for itch- 
ing. Half doses of physic or salines remove the gastric 
derangement on which most cases depend. In foals see 
to the health of the mother and state of milk. 

The spreading variety, persisting often for weeks, prob- 





Fig. 39. Vesicles funning-. 



Fig. 40. Appearance after Vesicles 
have burst or evaporated. 



ably caused by a parasite, is treated by dilute solution of 
iodine or other antiseptic. Pustular variety treated by 
half doses of physic, dressed with zinc oxide or boric 
acid. Itching abated by menthol. Growth of hair pro- 
moted by mild cantharides or other stimulant. 
For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

ECTHYMA (Boil-Like Eruptions), 

Is peculiar to American horses. It affects the deep 
layers of the skin, appearing mostly over the back and 
quarters where the harness rubs. The pustules, which 
have firm but much inflamed bases, mature in about a 
week, are moderately large, round, distinct, separate, and 
have well-marked points. The disease, which differs from 
true boil in that it does not have a core, is distinctively 
pustular, but some of the eruptions may at first discharge 



SKIN DISEASES. 163 

a straw-colored, sticky fluid. Most of the pustules emerge 
the first week ; a few come later. They have dark-col- 
ored, somewhat persistent scabs, and when healed leave a 
temporarily indented scar. 




Fig. 41. Ecthyma. 

The disease is probably caused by disturbed nutrition 
and particular as well as general debility. The parasites 
sometimes found in the running pustules are probably ac- 
cidental deposits from the air. 

Remedy. — Laxative salines relieve gastro-intestinal or 
other irritants. Exercise further hastens the removal of 
waste products. Digestible, rather laxative diet. A mild 
dose of aloes may be followed by 2 or 3 drams of sulphate 
of soda or magnesia, 2 or 3 times a day in drinking wa- 
ter; also, with the salines or separately, 2 to 4 fluid 
drams of dilute sulphuric acid. 

Mineral acids, iron salts, bitters, arsenic, act as anti- 
septics and alteratives. Pustules treated by water dress- 
ing, boric acid, zinc oxide ointment. Isolate and disin- 
fect, as the disease is sometimes contagious. 

For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 



PSORIASIS (Scaly Inflammation), 

Has two forms, the local and the general. The latter 
is distinct, and is usually associated with considerable con- 
stitutional disturbance. Both forms, in fact, are so dis- 
tinct that they are not likely to be mistaken for others. 



11,4 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

Although purely a skin disease, horses of sluggish habits 
and lymphatic temperaments are more liable to it than 
others, and it may be hereditary. It occurs chiefly about 
the flexures or joints, especially the carpal and tarsal, 
causing lameness, mallenders of the fore leg and sallend- 
ers of the hind. It also occurs over the tail and the neck, 
near the mane. It is disposed to spread, but not rapidly. 
The dry, light-colored scales are usually deepest in the 
center of the patches. The patches vary much in size. 
There is some itching, and sometimes, in chrouic cases, 
cracks and suppuration also. The disease is aggravated 
by dirt, moisture, sudden atmospheric changes, and in- 
appropriate food. 

Remedy. — Mild purgatives. Soak scales in a solution 
of soda or potassium carbonate, followed by a coat of 
iodine. Oil of mercury, weak ointments of biniodide of 
mercury or chrysophanic acid are useful. Wood tar oils 
and oil of cade alternated with the foregoing in chronic 
cases. Alkalies, sulphites, phosphorus, arsenic internally. 
A triple compound of arsenic, iodine, and mercury is 
given by Professor Williams. Green and oleaginous food, 
with a liberal supply of linseed in it. Occasional diuretic. 

For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

ELEPHANTIASIS (CHRONIC WEED, DERMAL 
AND SUBDERMAL HYPERTROPHY), 

A thick, dark, wrinkled, tuberculate, insensible condi- 
tion of the skin, is caused by excess of skin development. 
It usually involves the larger part of an entire limb, and 
is frequently the result of repeated attacks of inflammation 
of the lymphatic vessels of that limb, growing worse with 
each attack. It may follow one attack of lymphangitis 
(inflammation of the lymphatic glands). It is dry, leather- 
like, sometimes scaly, falls into folds, and in chronic cases 
may crack and suppurate. It causes much alteration of 
the limb, deformity, and impairment of motion. As the 



SKIN DISEASES. 165 

skin increases in thickness, the adjacent muscular parts 
show waste. 




Elephantiasis. 



Remedy. — Usually only palliative. Laxatives, diuret- 
ics, salines, tonics — vegetable and mineral. Iodine, pot- 
assium iodide internally assist absorption. Mercurial or 
iodine ointment. Iron, copper salts, arsenic for debilita- 
ted. For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

PRURITUS (Itching, Nerve Disturbance, Perverted 
Sensibility), 

Is local or general, the latter form being caused prob- 
ably by some general disturbance. It is sometimes caused 
by parasites or other mites, but its cause is often insidi- 
ous. It often appears suddenly and without warning. 
Except in very mild cases, pimples, pustules, corruga- 
tions, &c, appear, which, if rubbed or bitten, cause dis- 
figurement, followed, after cure, by permanent blemishes. 
The disease seems to be affected by heat, moisture, and 
food. 

Pruritus is regarded by some authorities as identical 
with Prurigo, but by Professor Eobertson as a cutaneous 
neurosis (nerve disturbance), occurring independently of 



166 THE DISEASES OF THE HOKSE. 

eruption or inflammation, and attacking both horses and 
dogs. 

Remedy. — Where blood contamination is suspected, 
correct with general or special restoratives. For parasites 
rub in sulphur or sulphur iodide ointments, mercury ole- 
ate, carbolic or tar oils, stavesacre, or corrosive sublimate 
solutions. When resulting from sun heat, put in shade 
and wash with potassium bicarbonate ; after which moisten 
spots with 2 parts glycerine, 1 each of sugar of lead and 
laudanum, 60 of water. Abate sensibility with hydrocy- 
anic acid, potassium cyanide, or chloroform, alternated 
with alkaline washes. Purges, salines, careful diet when 
associated with gastric derangement. Iron salts, oleagin- 
ous food, alkalies, arsenic for debility. 

GREASE (ERYSIPELATOUS IMPETIGO), 

Is a disease of the cutaneous glands. The parts usually 
affected are the heels, especially the hind heels, where an 
unusual quantity of oily or lubricating substance is secre- 
ted. It is peculiar to lymphatic and coarsely bred and 
haired horses. It is caused by increased or perverted 
secretion, cold, moisture, perspiration, filth, indigestion, 
high feeding &c. 

Symptoms. — Swelling; oily dripping; hair matted; 
soapy feel; bad odor; foot sensitive and stiff, but not 
much lameness. Swelling, sensitiveness, and lameness in- 
crease ; exercise relieves latter. 

Ulcerative stage : Disease extends half way up the leg. 
swelling increasing ; pussy crusts form. 

Grapy stage (described sometimes as a distinct disease) : 
Grape-like clusters (also compared to coat of pine-apple) 
form, growing vascular, red, and sensitive; in chronic 
stage become cartilaginous and even horny ; skin hard 
and thrice its natural thickness ; most of the hair falls 
off; fetid, bloody, discharges from between grapes; in- 
creased swelling and lameness. 






SKIK DISEASES. 



167 



Remedy. — Wash with soft or carbolic soap and warm 
water. Diuretics, salines, green food. Trim hair. Aj)ply 
antiseptic bran poultice Avhere there is much inflammation 
and discharge. Soak scabs with salicylic acid in solution 




Fig. 43. First stage of confirmed 
Grease ; exudative. 




Fig. 44. Second 




Fig. 45. Third stage ; grapes. 

of borax. • Zinc sulphate, acetate, sulpho-carbolate, or 
chloride lotions, 3 parts to 100 of water, with 2 parts 
each of carbolic acid and glycerine. Vary dressing with 
sulphur iodide, wood tar oils, carbolic acid, or copper sul- 
phate. Sulphuric acid and iron salts, iodine, arsenic in- 
ternally. Remove the grapes with hot iron or caustics. 
Dress with solution of zinc sulphate or chloride or car- 
bolic acid. For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 



168 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

BALDNESS (ALOPECIA), 

Is usually caused by disturbed nutrition and wasting 
changes of the skin and hair-cells. Parasites may or may 
not be present. It usually occurs suddenly, and is often 
extensive, with little or no irritation, itching, exudation, 
or swelling. The mane and tail are exempt. The bare 
skin is smooth, soft, and unctious, with a very slight cov- 
ering of scales. The disease has a tendency to heal itself. 

Remedy. — Oleaginous diet. General tonics, such as 
arsenic, iron, with gentian or mix vomica. Stimulate skin 
with ammonia liniment ; cantharides tincture 1 part, soap 
or camphor liniment 8 parts; or castor oil. Shave, and 
rub in vaselin daily, dressing occasionally with the above 
stimulants. For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

LOUSINESS (PEDICULI, PHTHIRIASIS), 

Is aided by damp dirt, barley straw, poverty, and pri- 
vation. The horse suffers from three kinds of lice — two 
peculiar to itself, one peculiar to domestic fowl. The 
lice sometimes create such havoc that the hair falls off 
in places. 

Remedy. — Wash with soft soap and warm water and 
rub in solution of stavesacre or tobacco, 1 part solution 
to 40 of water. Oil of tar 1 part, oil of rape or other 
mild oil 4 parts. Sulphur iodide ointment. Mercuric 
nitrate ointment. Use cautiously. Creosote 1 part, glyc- 
erine or alcohol 2 parts, water 40 parts. Clip long, coarse 
hair; isolate infected horses and cleanse premises. 

MANGE, SCAB (SCABIES), 

Is caused by several species of ' acari ' (mange mites) 
burrowing under the skin. It is peculiar to unhealthy, 
unclean, coarse-bred, hairy-limbed horses and to cold 
weather. It is very contagious and requires isolation and 
careful treatment. A mangy horse will rub itself sore. 

Symptoms. — The discovery of the insect, and the pre- 



SKIN DISEASES. 169 

cise kind, is the best — is proof itself. Itching, rubbing, 
biting skin ; hair falls off in patches ; skin dry, white, 
lifeless, shedding scales and white dust and disclosing red 
pimples, and, in inveterate cases, becoming hard, dry, 
corrugated. 




Fig. 46. The mite or aearas known as Sjmbiotes EquL Magnified. 

Remedy. — Wash : Cut up an ounce of common roll 
tobacco; keep in water near boiling point 6 to 12 hours; 
strain and make up 26 ounces, adding 2 to 4 ounces glyc- 
erine. Liniment : Linseed oil 1 pint, oil of tar 2 fluid 
ounces, sulphur 2 ounces. Rub one or other of these 



170 



THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 



dressings in well for 2 days, to remain 3 or 4 days; then 
wash with soft soap and tepid water and reapply if nee- 




Fig. 47. The mite or acarus known as Derraatodectcs Equi. Magnified 




Fig. 48 A piece of mangy skin. 



SKIN" DISEASES. 



171 



essary. Wash and disinfect with carbolic or corrosive sub- 
limate solution clothing, harness, stable fittings, rubbing 
posts, &c. 




Eig. 49. The mite or acarus known as Sarcoptes Equi. Magnified. 

RINGWORM OR TETTER (Proper), 

Is caused by vegetable parasites (gnawing worms), which 
implant themselves in the hair follicles (secreting cells). 
Dampness, darkness, and improper diet favor their pro- 
duction. Young horses suffer most. The more or less 
circular patches are clear gray and shining. The hair 
falls out, disclosing either minute eruptions or distinct 
and separable scales. Some patches have healthy spots in 
the center, but it sometimes seems to cure itself through 
the death of the parasites. 

Ringworm, Yellow or Honeycomb, is also caused 
by parasites, which may be transplanted to other animals. 
The patches consist of cup-shaped, yellowish scabs or 
crusts, sometimes separate, at others confluent. The odor 



172 



THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 



is peculiar. It lias been likened to that of bruised hem- 
lock 'and mouse and cat's urine. 

Remedy. — Soak and wash with lead subacetate solution 
1 part to 90 of water. Then moderately paint with com- 
pound solution or tincture of iodine ; or a smart applica- 
tion of common iodine ointment; or a thorough satura- 




Fig. 50 



Fig. 51. Another specimen of same. 



tion with corrosive sublimate, 2 to 4 grains to o'unce of 
water, adding a little glycerine. Paraffin is good. Salines, 
tonics, arsenic internally, help to abate irritation and 
swelling. Soaking with oil softens and removes scales. 
Isolate. Disinfect brushes, harness, &c. No currying. 
For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

SADDLE SCALD 

Is sometimes hard to cure. The skin may be in an 
irritable condition, and therefore less able to stand the 
friction of the saddle and the acridity of the perspiration. 
From a slight, patchy excoriation, or perhaps only depi- 
lation, the skin of the back ami sides will sooner or later 
become ulcerated, rendering the animal useless for saddle 
purposes. 

Remedy. — Improve the fit of the saddle ; line flaps 
with linen instead of serge, and make them more flexible 
and smaller if necessary. The medical means are pnrg- 






SKIN DISEASES. 



173 



ing and various local applications, such as are recom- 
mended for mangy affections (page 169). 

HIDEBOUND 

Is caused by lack of nutrition (health-giving food) in- 



Dion, worms in the intestinal canal, chronic inflam- 
mation of the lungs, lack of exercise, exposure to cold, 
&c. Sometimes the ribs can be. counted with the eye. 
Coat staring. The skin may be perfectly healthy. 




Fig;. 52. One cause of Hidebound. 

The remedy is nutritious food. If there is disease, 
cure it. 

CRACKED HEEL 

Is analogous in nature, cause, and remedy to grease, 
namely : It is peculiar to the hind legs, to coarse, fleshy, 
white legs, and cold, wet weather ; consists in (transverse) 
ulcerations; the legs fill; the secretion is disordered, but 
the skin is stretched and cracked ; remoteness of heel from 
the heart ; motion of heel ; secreting nature of surface ; 
filth irritation ; need of astringent applications, poultices, 
&c. Stopping thrush in feet will sometimes cause tho 



174 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

heels to crack and break out in pimples. This is best 
counteracted by aperients and diuretics. 

Remedy. — Treated according to origin, duration, and 
condition. When from wet ground, remove to dry ; when 
from filth, cool and fine legs by cautious purging. If the 
ulceration has not penetrated through the skin, bran poul- 
tices, mild astringent powder, weak solutions of blue vit- 
riol, alum, tincture of myrrh, benzoin, &c; poultice best. 
If through skin, heroic treatment ; slough with butter of 
antimony or nitric acid ; some use lunar caustic or a red 
hot iron. Wipe dry ; sprinkle caustic ; poultice. High- 
heeled shoes if necessary. Watch frog. Overexercise in- 
jurious. Green food. (Percivall.) 

SORENESS ABOUT THE ANUS. 

There is a sort of eruption consisting of patchy exco- 
riation and slight ulceration around the verge of the anus. 
It occurs usually in the spring, and is accompanied by 
costiveness. It is ascribed to a disordered alimentary 
canal, preternatu rally hot. acrimonious fecal discharges, 
which increase the external irritation. 

Remedy.— Wash twice a day, wipe dry, and sprinkle 
with common flour. Gentle purge if necessary. 

WARTS (VERRUC/E). 

A horse may be so covered with warts as to be tempo- 
rarily useless. Their most common situations are the 
head (eyelids, muzzle, ears), belly, sheath, penis, and in- 
ner side of thigh and arm. They are said to be pro- 
duced by the skin, whence they derive their coverings. 
Some grow by pedicles ; others have broad roots ; others 
still are incased in the skin, out of which they slip, if 
j>ressed. when freed by the knife. Some are no larger 
than peas, others as large as marbles or walnuts, while a 
single wart has been known to grow till it impeded the 
action of a limb. They are usually enveloped in thin, 



SKIX DISEASES. 175 

smooth, and hairless skin, but which in time becomes 
callous and horny. Others are ulcerous and even fungoid, 
bleeding on the least irritation and showing no disposition 
to heal. Internally they exhibit a firm, fibro-cartilaginous 
texture, little or no vascularity, and seldom bleed except 
from their roots. 




Remedy. — Remove by excision, torsion, or ligature. 
To prevent return, cauterize the site of those about the 
penis. Chromic acid, silver nitrate, and glacial acetic 
acid destroy warts. The soft variety gradually removed 
by daily moistening with commercial acetic acid. 

Where the wart grows from a slender pedicle, a double, 
well waxed, silk ligature, drawn tightly, is the best means 
of removal. Should the ligature cut the wart, apply the 
budding iron to its surface. Encysted warts require cru- 
cial incisions and pressing only. If a wart has a broad 
base, caustic is more effectual than ligature. Sprinkle 
the wart with arsenic. It will fall off in about two weeks. 
Sulphur made into a paste, with sulphuric acid, will an- 
swer the same purpose. Chloride of zinc, powdered, and 
rubbed with a simple ointment, is good. Warts of the 
eyelids should be removed with the knife. 



176 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

Greasiness of the Skin. — Percivall describes the case 
of a horse, recently returned from grass, which, while 
shedding its coat in September, showed an exceedingly 
greasy condition of the skin. It was washed with soft 
soap, but in three days became greasy again. A week 
afterward, after giving a fourth dose of physic, the ani- 
mal was washed in water in which an alkali had been 
dissolved. 



INJURIES 



Ikjueies are mechanical, chemical, and mixed. Me- 
chanical injuries comprehend wounds, contusions, abra- 
sions, fractures, dislocations, &c. Chemical injuries are 
caused by heat, the concentrated acids, caustic alkalies, 
lunar caustic, corrosive' sublimate, arsenic, &c. Mixed 
injuries are caused by the bites or stings of mad dogs, 
insects, &c. Also from inoculation. 

WOUNDS 

Are incised, contused, lacerated, punctured, gun-shot, 
and poisoned. The first danger, especially in incised 
wounds, is bleeding, the remedy for which is (1) a liga- 
ture; (2) a tourniquet or, what is better, a rubber band; 
(3) trickling water; (4) pressure (a compress if practica- 




Fig\ 54. Rubber Bandage. 

ble) ; (5) styptics, such as tow, lint, matico, ergot, digi- 
talis, ice, lead acetate. 

Blood from a vein is dark colored, and flows in an un- 
interrupted and comparatively tardy stream. Ligatures 
should be withdrawn in 10 or 14 days, or they will fes- 
ter. Cut the thread. 

The bleeding stopped, the next thing after the removal 



178 



THE DISEASES OF THE HOESE. 



of foreign bodies and clots of blood, is washing with one 
of the following antiseptics : 1. Carbolic acid 1 part with 
20 to 40 of water. 2. Corrosive sublimate 1 part, com- 
mon salt 7£, water, 1,000. 3. Zinc chloride 1 part, wa- 
ter 80 to 100. 4. Mercuric iodide and potassium iodide 
each 1 part, water 1,000. 5. Hydronaphtol 1 part, rec- 
tified spirit 1 part, water 300. 6. Sodium hydrofluosili- 
cate 1 part, water 500. The latter is " a recently discov- 
ered, effectual, non-poisonous, cheap germicide." (Dun.) 




Pig. 55. Interrupted Suture. 





Fig. 56. Uninterrupted Suture 



Fig. 57. Twisted Suture. 



Fig. 58. Zigzag Sutun 



Incised wounds are brought together by sutures (stitches) 
pins, or plasters. Bandages keep the parts in apposition 



ijs-jukies. 179 

and give support. Splints and slings are sometimes re- 
quired. 

In large contused or lacerated wounds a dependent open- 
ing must be made by drainage tubes or otherwise. Deeply 
punctured and lacerated wounds are fomented for some 
hours in order to limit inflammation. Apply a sheet of 
carbolic lint, on which either place a poultice or let cold 
water trickle over it. 

Superficial wounds heal by first intention (without pus) 
when the edges are held together by plaster, styptic col- 
loid, or shellac, applied in methylated spirit (90 parts of 
rectified spirit (alcohol), 10 parts of wood spirit, or impure 
methylic alcohol.) 

Poisoned wounds are treated according to their nature. 
Poison may be kept out of the circulation by ligature. 
Excision of the poisoned textures may be desirable, and 
also subsequent cauterization or irrigation with a suitable 
germicide. 

Wounds properly closed and healing satisfactorily should 
not be disturbed except for cleansing and redressing. Do 
not be in a hurry about removing sutures. 

If a wound becomes inflamed or painful, or the dis- 
charges are unhealthy, remove the dressings, cut the su- 
tures, remove blood clots or other irritants, irrigate or 



J. REYNDERS & CO. 
Fig. 59. Syringe. 

syringe the surfaces with an antiseptic, and apply a poul- 
tice over the carbolic lint if necessary. Use opium and 
belladonna with poultices or . antiseptics when there is 
much pain. 

Excessive granulation checked by pressure, astringents, 
or occasional use of caustics. 

A dose of physic, cooling, digestible diet, and healthful 



180 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

surroundings are essential to the successful treatment of 
wounds. 

INJURED EYES. 

Blows are usually received on the orbital process (bony 
projection), when the ball of the eye is rarely injured. 
In such cases the upper eyelid is usually swollen and the 
outer membrane of the eye itself may partake of it. Wet 
and apply a linen cloth, or sponge the part as often as 
it becomes dry. In cases of extreme swelling, local bleed- 
ing and fomentations will be effective. 




Fig. 60. The haw (the horse's handkerchief). 

When hayseeds, insects, dirt, &c, get under the upper 
lids, and the haw fails to expel them, turn back the lid 
and remove them by hand. 

Cuts and lacerations sometimes penetrate the ball. If 
they extend through the cornea, the watery fluid will 
escape and the iris protrude. Return the iris carefully. 
Foment with warm water in which poppy heads have been 
boiled. After this, apply healing washes with a camel's 
hair pencil. Shade the eye. 

Laceration of the Eyelid is not an uncommon acci- 
dent. It may be caused by a bite, a nail, hook, &.c. It 
usually begins at the inner, superior, and most projecting 
part of the lid, but the reverse may be the case. The 
wound usually causes considerable bleeding. 

Remedy. — Secure the horse, cleanse the eye, and stitch 



INJURIES. 181 

with strong sewing silk, using a small, sharp, crooked 
needle. In a week or so, or as soon as the parts cohere, 
or when pus oozes out, cut and withdraw the stitches. 
After this it is important to secure the horse with double 
straps, otherwise, owing to the irritation of the eye, it 
will rub against the stall and dissever the parts. 

INJURIES TO MOUTH, TONGUE, JAWS. 

The tongue may be injured in various ways. It may 
be bitten accidentally by the horse itself, also, when pro- 
truded, by another horse; by sharp projections of the 
teeth, rough or careless usage, &c. Stitch the parts to- 
gether whenever necessary and practicable, cleanse the 
wound if necessary, and leave the healing to nature. 

The branches of the lower jaw are common seats of 
fracture, a frequent cause of which is the use of sharp 
curved bits, but rough usage will sometimes cause frac- 
tures even with a smooth bit. The horse loses its appe- 
tite and is unfit for work. The fractured bone must be 
removed, but it is often better to wait a week or ten days 
that nature may loosen the parts. Fractures are often the 
result of external violence. A severe blow in the region 
of, the roots of the teeth may cause a fracture that will 
necessitate the removal of both bone and teeth. 

The jaw is also subject to injury from violence with 
the curb-rein. The outside gum is squeezed by the crub. 
An abscess forms within the bone, and there is usually 
sooner or later bone to be removed. Keep the wound 
open and encourage the discharge. A scruple of hydro- 
chloric acid in an ounce of water is a good dressing. If 
the horse must be worked, use a snaffle. 

The outside of the lips and cheeks are sometimes severely 
cut by sharp and twisted snaffles, the inside of the cheek 
by sharp projections of the molar teeth. The only rem- 
edy for the latter is to file the projections down, but not 
so as to destroy the natural slant of the grinding surface. 



182 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

as already explained on page 142. The cheeks will heal 
without aid, but an ounce of alum in a quart of water is 
a good wash for them. 

SADDLE-GALLS, SITFASTS, WARBLES, TU- 
MOR ON THE ELBOW. 

These injuries are caused by pinching of the harness- 
pad, girths, or collar, bad-fitting or overweighted saddles, 
&c. If they are neglected or exposed to further injury, 
they either turn to abscesses or subside into smaller tu- 
mors and are indisposed to undergo further change, though 
they are sometimes carried off by suppuration. Percivall 
says that when a- bad-fitting saddle has been kept on too 
long and evil results are expected, that it should be al- 
lowed to remain on the back till the horse is perfectly 
cool. 

Cure saddle-gall by removal of cause. Bathe and cleanse 
once a day ; hot water if suppurating. Antiseptic dress- 
ings. Swollen fatty follicles reduced with soap liniment; 
in chronic cases foment and lance. 




Fig. 61. Sitfast. 

Sitfast is " a part of a horse's back turned horny.'"" To 
use another simile, repeated injury by the saddle causes 
the formation of horny excrescences resembling corns of 
the human foot. The sitfast acquires a well defined bor- 
der. In many instances the skin withdraws from around 



INJURIES. 183 

it, and a little matter oozes from between it and the skin. 
This indicates that the sitfast will be carried off by slough- 
ing. If the process is slow, it may be hastened by blis- 
tering ointment. Dissect out if necessary. 

Warbles or grubs " are small, hard tumors on the sad- 
dle part of a horse's back;" also the neck and sometimes 
the tail. When recent they yield to stimulating lotions, 
though sometimes they run on to suppuration and disperse. 
Frequently, however, they become callous, in which con- 
dition they may continue for years without serious conse- 
quences. They may be dissected out. 

According to Williams warbles in the ox is caused by 
a bot-fly which lodges under the skin. 

Tumor on the elbow (shoeboil) is caused by contusion 
or pressure of the heel of the fore shoe or by the horse 
lying on a hard pavement with insufficient bedding. 

INFLAMED VEIN (PHLEBITIS), 

Is usually the result of bleeding, but some horses are 
predisposed to it. It is also the result of violence after 
bleeding — disturbing the piu by rubbing against this or 
that.' Injury may also follow from using an unclean or 
rusty instrument in bleeding. The wound should be 
speedily closed. The lips, unless disturbed, will rarely 
fail to adhere. Tie the horse's head up to prevent rub- 
bing. If Worked, guard against injury by either bridle 
rein or collar. 

Remedy. — Open any abscesses. If swelling occurs while 
the pin is in, withdraw it carefully so as not to disturb 
the wound. Foment and poultice. Laxative diet. If the 
wound is foul and the vein corded up to the head, leave 
the orifice open and apply a blister, renewing it as often 
as needed. If necessary, the vein may be tied. In case 
of fresh bleeding, pin or stitch and compress the wound, 
keeping the head tied up. A horse with an impervious 
jugular should not be turned to grass. Diffuse phlebitis 



184 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

treated antiseptically, with salines internally. For a list 
of antiseptics and salines, see pages 31 and 30 respectively. 

LACERATED KNEE 

Is usually a much more serious injury than a contused 
or bruised knee, for it may penetrate to and even ex- 
pose the knee joint. The extent or depth of the wound 
is a matter of great importance, for the treatment must 
be regulated by it. Tbe healing of the wound requires 
time and patience, for the part is much used and the 
skin thereby stretched. 

The accident is usually the result of tenderness and 
lameness of the fore legs, tripping, cutting, and unequal 
action, rough roads and pavements, rolling stones, &c. 

The scar left is sometimes quite a blemish. Ordinary 
years may be removed by blistering the part, first shav- 
ing off the hair. 

Remedy. — Cleanse the part thoroughly with warm wa- 
ter and allay inflammation by fomentation. Use a cradle; 
for a few days to prevent the part from being bitten. If 
the knee does not heal kindly, apply lotions or poultices. 
After this dress with tincture of benzoin or compound 
tincture of myrrh. Toward the end, a solution of blue 
vitriol may be needed. In place of the two last, after 
poulticing, sprinkle daily with a powder of flour and 
alum. In some cases it may be advisable to stitch the 
skin together. Quiet. Sling if necessary. 

OPEN KNEE AND OTHER JOINTS. 

A joint must be penetrated to constitute this injury, 
but even if it is not penetrated, it is often opened by 
sloughing. It is a very serious matter, for the joint oil 
(synovia) often escapes, causing a stiff joint (anchylosis). 
The discharge of oil, however, does not necessarily indi- 
cate opened joint, for the sheaths of the tendons contain 
an oil precisely like joint oil. Tetanus (commonly called 



INJUEIES. 185 

lock-jaw) may result from the injury. Opened joint is 
usually caused by a fall, but it may be caused by a thorn, 
a nail, or a sharp-pointed instrument. 

Symptoms. — Knee clotted with dirt and blood; foot 
rests on toe, not because the joint is painful, for recently 
injured joints have little or no sensation, but because of 
the painful ligaments, tendons, &c. In a day the parts 
are hot, full, and tender, these symptoms increasing from 
day to day. About this time the constitution sympathizes ; 
fever ; pulse rises ; . appetite and spirits lost ; mouth dry ; 
eyes injected ; skin and limbs warm ; breathing disturbed. 
The animal now exchanges its dull mood for watching 
and irritability. If the irritation is not checked', it is 
likely to exhaust the vital energies before the local in- 
flammation even turns toward restoration. 

Remedy. — Cleanse and foment. Antiseptic dressing. 
Stitch, if the movement of the joint and tearing loose 
can be prevented. Styptic colloid, collodion, or plaster 
for support and protection. Splints and bandages. Sling 
or tie up to prevent lying down. Half closes of physic ; 
cooling diet. Let a weak antiseptic solution trickle over 
a calico bandage lightly laid over the joint. Blister if 
necessary. 

WOUNDED TENDONS 

Are usually caused by thorns, stubs, flints, kicks, treads, 
&c. If properly treated, they usually end well. A ten- 
don may be even severed, and yet be restored by approx- 
imation. Thorns have been known to work themselves 
out between skin and hoof. Some fester and discharge 
themselves. Some are sloughed out with medicines. In 
some cases the parts around the foreign substance be- 
come hardened and continue so without lameness. It is 
possible for tetanus to follow wounded tendons. 

Remedy. — Fomentations, poultices, cooling lotions. 
Loosen as well as cool part. Sling. Splints, starch ban- 



186 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

dages. When inflammation has moderated, stimulate ex- 
ternally. 

INFLAMED LYMPHATICS 

The office of the lymphatic system is to form and cir- 
culate lymph. When disturbed, it is usually the result 
of wounds or pricks. 

Remedy. — Remove cause. Cooling diet. Salines; pot- 
assium iodide. Foment while heat and tenderness con- 
tinue; after which apply friction, bandages, iodine oint- 
ment. Continue salines in drinking water. 

For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

STRAIN OF LOINS (PSO/E) MUSCLES 

Is caused by any injury that violently extends them. 
It is liable to be confounded with ' broken back/ from 
which it is distinguished by the animal being able to 
bend and extend the limbs. In some cases the animal 
almost drags its limbs. 

Remedy. — Eugs wrung out of hot water applied over 
loins and abdomen. Anodyne injections (opium, mor- 
phine, &c.) Slings if both sides are affected. 

BRUSHING OR INTERFERING 

Occurs in horses with faulty action, especially when 
tired or out of condition. The part struck is the fetlock. 

Remedy. — A f shoe, or a shoe thin on inside web, 
without heel on outside. Boot on injured fetlock. Care- 
ful shoeing. Improve general condition. 

SPEEDY-CUT 

Is a bruise in the inner part of the limb, near the 
knee, caused by .the opposite foot. Cause — round, high 
action (stepping). The horse is liable to fall from the 
violence of the blow. 

Remedy. — Fomentations; open any abscess ; antiseptic 
dressing. Prevent by .reducing inner crust of offending 



nSTJUKIES. 



187 



foot, using nicely fitting f shoes, removing shoes every 3 
weeks. Protect leg with boot. Travel slowly. 

SPRAIN OF MUSCLES, TENDONS, AND LIGA- 
MENTS. 

The fibers are severely stretched and in serious cases 
some of them are torn. 

Remedy. — Best; foment; purge. Slings in bad cases. 
When the tenderness and pain are abated, apply counter- 




Fig. 63. Three-jointed, sharp Seton Needle. 

irritants. Cantharides or mercuric iodide ointments. 
Firing-iron. Seton. 

RUPTURED TENDONS OR LIGAMENTS. 

Remedy. — Fomentations allay inflammation. Treat as 
for fractured bones. Quiet. Splints. Starch bandages. 
Slings. When inflammation moderates, stimulate exter- 
nally. / 



188 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

PRICKED FOOT 

Is caused by misdirected or defective nails in shoeing, 
nails picked up in walking, sharp instruments, flints, 
glass, &c. The injury will vary with the cause, the part 
injured, and the depth and direction" of the wound. In 
shoeing if a nail causes blood to flow, lameness will soon 
follow; but if it only goes close to the quick, it may be 
one or even two weeks before lameness results. 

Remedy. — Remove shoe and diseased tissue. Give pus 
vent by dependent opening. Inject with spirit turpen- 
tine. Keep hole free of dirt. Poultice. 




Fig. 64. Side puncture represents Pricked Foot, the front Bruised Sole. 

BRUISE OF THE SOLE 

Leads to the effusion of blood, but seldom causes seri- 
ous lameness. Pare off the discolored horn and shoe at 
least once with leather. Treat as for ' Corns/ Avhich see. 

BRUISES (General). 
Treat general bruises as follows : Foment, poultice, 
water dressing, refrigerants ; carbolic acid and other an- 
tiseptics. Hand rubbing and subsequent rubbing with oil 
promote absorption. Lead, zinc and other astringent so- 
lutions probably prevent leucocytes (white cells) exuding. 
Belladonna, opium, aconite paralyze sensory nerves and 
relieve pain. 



INJUKIES. 



189 



TREAD AND OVERREACH 

Are identical in nature. A tread is a contused wound 
of the coronet of either the hind or fore foot, caused by 
the opposite foot. An overreach is a tread on the coro- 
net of the fore foot by the hind foot. The parts injured 
consist of skin, cartilage, and horn. The injury is there- 
fore complex and requires careful treatment. 




Fig. 65. Tread. 




Tread. 



Fig-. 67. Overreach. 



Remedy. — Eemove hair and such lacerated parts of 
horn as may harbor dirt. Immerse in warm water. Hot 
poultice, but discontinue when healing begins. Turpen- 
tine or nitric acid lotion dressing. Physic. Heels of 
shoes well rounded off:' Light shoes. Protect coronet 
with pad. 

FROST BITE (GELATIO), 

If often repeated, causes the part to become perma- 
nently weakened, slightly swelled, of a purple color, with 
less heat, and afterward inflamed. The skin cracks, and a 
discharge of sanguineous matter takes place. More intense 
cold entirely suspends vital action, the part becoming 
pale, insensible, and shriveled. The skin, especially the 
heel, will often slough across from side to side, forming 
a strip of dead skin, under which is a deep chasm, called 
a cracked heel. 

Remedy. — Raise temperature of frozen parts gradually. 



190 THE DISEASES OE THE HOBSE. 

Stimulants to affected parts ; turpentine and oil ; soap 
liniment. Treat sloughs antiseptically. 

QUITTOR 

Is a sore or wound on the coronet connected with a 
sinus (cavity) in the foot, the sinus running between the 
sensitive parts and the horn. It is usually caused by the 
large, awkward calkins of the hind shoe, but any neg- 
lected wound of the coronet may cause it. It may also 
be caused by an abscess within the foot ; also by a fes- 
tered corn. 

The disease at first is insidious, being covered by the 
hair. When the tumor points, the hair falls off and re- 
veals the cause of the lameness. 





Fig. 68. Quittor before pus exudes Fig. 69. Quittor after exudation 

through coronet. through coronet. 

In severe cases of quittor the skin, tendons, cartilages, 
and bones are more or less affected. When the bone be- 
comes carious there is little hope of cure. A cure, even 
in ordinary cases, requires two or three months. The 
horse, is usually lame even after the healing. This is 
owing to change of structure. The cartilage becoming 
bony and the coronet destroyed, often causes the disor- 
der known as 'False Quarter.' Caries of either the car- 
tilage or bone is preceded by ulcers having a greenish 
discharge mixed with synovia (joint oil). 

Remedy. — Secure a free dependent opening. Eemove 
dead tissues or other irritants. Poultice. Inject corrosive 
sublimate solution. Where cavities are numerous and dif- 



INJURIES. 191 

ficult of access, core them out with corrosive sublimate 
or arsenic plug. Where foot is strong, no shoe is needed ; 
if weak or broken, bar shoe relieves pressure. In very 
bad cases diseased textures must be excised. Blister cor- 
onet to promote reparative action. 

FALSE QUARTER 

Eesults from quittor more than from any other cause. 
It may, however, be caused by injury or disease of any 
kind destroying the coronary substance, on the integrity 
of which the integrity of the wall depends. In the same 
way that injury at the root of man's nails causes divis- 
ion, will injury of the coronary substance cause a groove 
in the hoof. Hence the name. Its appearance is that of 
a gap. The gap is covered with a thin layer of soft horn, 





Fig. 70. False Quarter. Fig. 71. Remedy for False 

Quarter. 

which sometimes splits and bleeds. Dirt or squeezing of 
the internal parts sometimes causes inflammation, pus, 
and lameness. If the fissure remains sound, however, no 
inconvenience follows. False quarter may be palliated, 
but not cured. 

Remedy.— Restore secretory function of coronary band. 
Dress and promote healing of any wounds in band. Press- 
ure should generally be applied and dead horn trimmed 
away. Bar shoe to relieve concussion. Fill cracks with 
gutta-percha to keep out dirt. Blisters to coronet some- 
times useful. 



192 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

VENOMOUS BITES AND STINGS 

Are caused by bees, hornets, vipers, &c. The adder's 
bite is sometimes fatal, aud swarming bees have been 
known to sting a horse or ox to death. 

Remedy. — Ammonia and oil; or an ounce of spirit of 
hartshorn or turpentine in olive oil. Rub some on bite 
also. Potassium hydrate- or bicarbonate solutions. Bathe 
the eyes with laurel water twice a week. Carbolic acid ; 
prussic acid ; chloroform ; cold water dressings. For snake 
bite ligature limb ; excise wound, and sear with hot iron. 
Alcoholic stimulants ; ammonia. Artificial respiration. 

For doses, see pages 13 to 29. .. , 

BURNS AND SCALDS. 

Remedy. — Protect immediately from air and irritants 
by layers of cotton wool, or apply carron oil. Liniment 
of oil and litharge, with 5 per cent, boric, salic}dic, or 
carbolic acid, or peppermint oil. Whiting and water, or 
Fuller's earth, about the consistence of cream, applied 
till well coated. Zinc oxide, with about 10 parts vaselin, 
or of glycerine and water. Alkaline solutions, soap lather, 
saturated solution sodium bicarbonate for slighter cases. 
Where discharges are foul, add antiseptics to above dress- 
ings. Where there is irritation and pain, add chloroform 
or laudanum, or both. Combat constitutional suffering 
with antiseptics and anodynes internally. For doses, see 
pages 13 to 29. For lists of antiseptics, anodynes, &c, 
see pages 30 to 37. 

FRACTURES 

Are usually caused by blows, falls, slips, &c, but a 
horse, by struggling when cast, may not only fracture its 
spine but perhaps some other bone. 

Fractures are simple, compound, or comminuted; they 
are also either transverse or oblique. They are indicated 



INJURIES. 193 

by a grating noise ; separation or displacement of the parts ; 
deformity, shortening, lameness ; pain on pressure ; heat, 
swelling, tension, or the approach of inflammation. The 
three chief principles of treatment are replacement, main- 
tainment, and care. 

Compound and comminuted fractures are hopeless. 'Re- 
ducible simple fractures are sometimes curable, such as 
fracture of the ribs, cannon bones, arch of orbit, nasal 
bones, upper and lower jaw bones, tail bones, arm, hock, 
leg, pastern, and coffin (foot) bones. 

The following fractures are usually fatal : Skull, pelvis, 
spine, scapula, humerus, femur, tibia, elbow, patella (stifle 
b"-»p} id the sesamoid (foot), coronary, and navicular 

j\ ^ ned displacements and indisposition to form callus 
(bony substance between fractured parts) are also incurable. 

Remedy. — Put bones in apposition. Splints of leather, 
lath, block-tin, paroplastic, or gutta-percha. Incase in 
plaster of Paris ; starch bandages. Ends of bones may be 
kept together by metallic sutures. Smart blister causes 
outpouring of fibrinous, plastic, reparative material ; also 
favors parts being kept at rest. Large animals may re- 
quire slinging. Wounds in compound fractures treated 
antiseptically. Calcium phosphate internally in weakly 
subjects hastens union. For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

DISLOCATIONS 

Occur less frequently than fractures and are usually less 
remediable. They are either complete or partial. They 
are caused by blows, falls, wrenches, &c, or by violent 
action of muscles. In some cases these causes seem to co- 
operate. Replacement, retention, and care are necessary 
to recovery. 

The spine, especially at the neck, and the scapula and 
hip are sometimes successfully replaced. 

Stifle dislocation is common and is easily remedied. 1. 



194 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

Back the horse forcibly and suddenly and somewhat diag- 
onally a few paces. 2. If the first remedy does not suc- 
ceed, fix a line around the pastern, the other end passed 
over the neck. Pull the limb forward till the fetlock is 
nearly as high as the elbow 00 the same side. Press the 
bone forward and inward with a jerk. If the displace- 
ment is inward, which is rare and cannot occur without 
great violence, if the hand is not strong enough, press 
the bone upward and outward with a piece of wood. 

To prevent a recurrence of the dislocation, keep the 
horse quiet — in a sling if necessary — applying stimulants, 
blisters, or plasters. A wide bandage, with a hole in the 
middle for the patella (stifle), and laced behind the limb, 
may be successfully applied, especially if the skin is made 
adhesive with Canada balsam. Keep the limb extended 
with a line around the pastern and neck. 

Abate inflammation in all dislocations by hot fomenta- 
tions or cold water. 

The symptoms of dislocation are : Change in the ap- 
pearance of the dislocated part — depression at joint, prom- 
inence and tenderness at the then place of lodgment; 
peculiar noise and acute pain in moving the part; con- 
siderable swelling. Compare the dislocated part with the 
opposite side. 

When the stifle is dislocated, the symptoms, in addition 
to the above, are : Backward protrusion of limo; pastern 
and foot bent to utmost ; cannot be straightened ; limb 
trailed, describing the segment of a circle when the ani- 
mal moves. 



LAMENESSES 



CANKER 

Is a constitutional disease of the feet, and is due to a 
habit of body or grossness of constitution, as exhibited 
by thick, round legs, large feet, and the lymphatic tem- 
perament. It usually begins in the frog, but it may be- 
gin in any other part of the plantar surface. It much 
resembles grease of the leg, and often coexists with it. 
There is an abundant, fetid, colorless discharge from the 
frog, which is large, spongy, and covered by pallid, stringy 





Fig-. 72. "Worst stage of Canker. 



Fio-. 73. Improvement in Canker. 



prominences of a fungoid nature, intermixed with an of- 
fensive smelling, semi-dried, cheesy matter, composed of 
imperfect horn cells. The sound feet of a horse predis- 
posed to canker very often have an abominable smell, as 
if the animal suffered from a " sulphurated hydrogen 
diathesis." (Williams.) 

Remedy. — Remove all superfluous horn and fungous 
growths. Dress with silver nitrate, chromic acid, zinc 



196 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

chloride solution, or sulphuric acid and tar. In persist- 
ent cases caustics and astringents must be changed fre- 
quently. Tonics and salines. Liberal diet. Cleanliness. 
Pressure to fetlock for bleeding. Pack with dry tow; 
bandage ; protect with leather boot. For doses, see pages 
13 to 29. 

THRUSH 

Is a fetid discharge from the frog. The cleft is usually 
first affected. If neglected the disease spreads over the 
whole organ, the horn becoming detatched from the bulbs 
of the heels to the toe of the frog. The cause is usually 
filth, but the disease may originate in frost-bite, grease, 
swelled legs, &c. 

Thrush differs from canker in the nature of the dis- 
eased secretion, and also in its course and tractability. 

Remedy. — Cleanliness. A leather sole may be placed 
within the shoe. Dust with calomel. Dress with tar or 
wood tar oil. Dose of physic, especially when associated 
with constitutional causes. Regulate feeding and work. 
Shoe with tips if feet strong and animal works chiefly on 
land. 

BONE SPAVIN 

Is a bony tumor on the inner and lower part of the 
hock, arising from inflammation of the cuneiform and 
metatarsal bones, terminating usually in stiffness of one 
or more of the gliding joints of the hock. It is very 
rare on the outer side of the hock. 

Spavins arise from causes that are hereditary or consti- 
tutional and local. The local or exciting causes are sprains 
of the ligaments and concussion of the bones. One fer- 
tile cause is the alteration of the direction of the leg, 
induced by the use of high ealkined shoes. These high 
heels alter the relative position of the limb, from the hip 
downward, and cause shocks of concussion at every step. 

Remedy. — Rest. Purgative and fomentations where 



LAMENESSES. 197 

there is much lameness. In young horses hasten the in- 
evitable stiffness by a blister, firing, seton, or periosteot- 
omy (dividing the periosteum, a very hard, elastic sub- 
stance next to. the bones and roots of the teeth). In old 
horses sometimes incurable. The bone softens. 

BOG SPAVIN, 

When caused by inflammation of the joint, is a tense, 
fluctuating swelling, accompanied by heat and pain. This 
form constitutes unsoundness. It may be acute or chronic. 
In the acute form the lameness is very great, with fever, 
loss of condition, and the ability to put the foot to the 
ground. It is apt to end in ulceration of the articular 




Fig. 74. Bog Spavin, or distention of the chief synovial membrane of the 
hock joint. 

cartilage and partial stiffness of the joint. Some bog 
spavins, however, are almost harmless, being mere dropsy 
of the articulation (synovia for lubricating joints), arising 
from some fault of conformation. 

Remedy. — Eest; in severe cases 'sling. High heeled 
shoe. Foment when hot and tender. Cold water and re- 
frigerants when inflammation abates. Spring truss in 
young animals sometimes gives equable pressure. Counter- 
irritation encourages absorption. Firing-iron or seton in 
chronic 



THOROUGH-PIN OF THE HOCK 

Is a small, roundish or oval, membranous cavity on the 
lower part of the thigh and upper and back part of the 



198 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

hock, caused by disease of the tendon of the flexor pedis 
perforans muscle, which muscle is inclosed in a synovial 
sheath on the inner side of the ' os calcis/ or by dropsy 
of the sheath itself, without disease of the tendon. The 
fluid which fills it may, by pressure, be forced from one 
side to the other. Hence the name thorough-pin (through 
and through). This may be described as true thorough- 
pin, in contradistinction to that associated with very large 
boo- spavins. Thorough-pin is peculiar to short, fleshy, 
upright hocks. 




Fig. 75. Spring Truss for Thorough-pin and Bog Spavin. 

Remedy. — Eest; high heeled shoe; flannel bandages. 
Equable pressure from a spring truss. Blister if swelling 
persists. Open sac at most dependent part if necessary. 

THOROUGH-PIN OF THE KNEE 

Consists in swelling of the sheath containing the per- 
foratis and perforans tendons, at the back and a little 
above the knee joint, and is treated similarly to thorough- 
pin of the hock. 

SPLINT 

Is a bony tumor (exostosis), usually, when on the fore 
feet, on the inner surface of the metatarsal or metacar- 
pal bones. Splint of the hind feet, however, is usually 
on the outer surface of the metatarsal bone. It seldom 
causes lameness in the hind feet, and does not always 
cause it in the fore. 



LAMENESSES. 



199 



Splint is caused by concussion and hereditary predispo- 
sition, especially that arising from shape and form of leg. 
The effects of concussion may be due to the immature 
age of the bone, shape of leg, method of shoeing, or 
overwork or speed when young. 



Fig. 76. 





Splints (fine points of 
bone). 



Fig. 77. "Dishing," while on the 

trot, caused by irritation from 

fine points of bone. 



Remedy. — In slight cases stop fast work. Half dose 
physic. Foment and then blister. In severe cases peri- 
osteotomy. Pyro-puncture preferable to firing, as it does 
not blemish. Mercuric iodide ointment usually reduces 
deposit. 

STRINGHALT (CHOREA), 

Is a spasmodic movement of the muscles of the limbs, 
usually the hind. 

Incurable. Kemove any spavin or other adverse condi- 
tion. Temporary benefit results from a laxative, a course 
of bromides, and moderate work. Stretching and section 
of the tibial nerves are of no avail. 

Other muscles are subject to spasmodic action, especi- 
ally those of the spine. 



200 



THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 



CURB 

Is a sprain or injury of the straight ligament of the 
hock, causing enlargement of the joint. It is apt to cause 
lameness in young horses, and, when of fresh origin, in 
horses of any age. But when of long standing, and merely 
the result of former disease, lameness rarely ensues. The 
form of hock the reverse of that liable to thorough-pin 
is the one predisposed to curb. 





Fig. 78. Curb. 



Fig. Id. India-rubber bandage for 
keeping wet cloths on Curb. 



Remedy.— Foment; lead acetate solution ; refrigerants. 
Counter-irritants ; mercuric or iodide ointment ; charges 
(plasters). High heeled shoe ; no toe pieces. Eest for 
several months, especially in young horses. 

CORNS 

Are bruises of the secreting sole. They occur almost 
invariably on the inside heel of the fore feet, and are 





Fig. 80. Old Corn. Fig. 81. New Corn. Fig. 82. Test for Corns. 

caused by bad shoeing, They are not hom tumors, but 



LAMENESSES. 



201 



may become such. Sometimes they end in suppuration, 
partial necrosis, or bony spicule. 

Remedy. — Eemove shoe, pare to relieve pressure and 
insure exit of puis. Poultices soften sole and abate ten- 
derness. Use light shoe with wide web. Shoe strong feet 
with tips. 

FOUNDER (LAMINITIS), 

Is inflammation of the feet. It is a dreadful disease, 
and may be caused by concussion as well as gastric de- 
rangement (overeating). It is sometimes communicated 
to the feet by other diseases, in which case the whole body 
is affected, and the mane and tail as well as hoofs are 
sometimes shed. 




Fig. 83. Founder. 



Remedy. — Remove shoes. Thin horn. Bed box with 
several inches of chaff or cut straw. Foment or poultice, 
hot ; cold bran poultice over entire foot sometimes bet- 
ter than hot. Bleed from jugular or toe if severe, espe- 
cially if caused by concussion. Eepeated small doses of 
aconite, niter or other salines for fever. Half dose physic 
and laxative injections if needed. Vapor bath often ser^ 



202 



THE DISEASES OF THE HOUSE. 



viceable. When inflammation is subdued, removal of ex- 
udate is hastened by cold applications; later by blisters 
to coronet; occasionally by frog setons. Keep heels low, 
toes short. Stout, wide-webbed, long-barred shoes. 

If convexity and weakness of the sole result (' Pumiced 
Foot '), use bar shoe with wide web. Lessen concussion 
by tar dressing and leather soles. Stimulate coronet. 

For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

MALLENDERS AND SALLENDERS 

Are forms of psoriasis (scaly itch), which see. They 
are situated on the flexures of the knee and hock, that 
is, mallenders appear on the back of the knee, sallenders 
on the front of the hock. At first they are only scurfy 
patches, but exhibiting considerable irritability. If neg- 
lected, they degenerate into troublesome sores, with foul 
discharges. 





Fig. 84. Mallenders. 



Fig. 85. Sallenders. 



Remedy. — Soft soap and water, mild oils and bran 
poultices remove scales. Boro-glycerine or zinc oxide oint- 
ment. Mercuric nitrate or iodine ointments for thicken- 
ing and infiltration. Tar oils for chronic cases. Half a 
dose of physic; salines; laxative diet. Iron tonics and 
arsenic for feeble. For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 



LAMENESSES. 

RINGBONE 



203 



Is a bony tumor or bony deposit around the pastern 
joint or coffin joint, or both. It is of two kinds — true 
and false. The latter, as a rule, is almost harmless. True 




Fig. 86. High Ringbone. 

ringbone is of two kinds — high and low. They are not 
the cause but the result of disease, especially inflamma- 
tion of the bones and synovial membranes. 



204 



THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 



SIDEBONE 

Is ossification of the lateral cartilages of the foot, usu- 
ally the fore foot. Its causes are hereditary tendency 
and shoeing with high calkins. 

Remedy. — Bar shoe; cold applications. Rest, blisters, 
firing, neurotomy (dissection and also section of a nerve). 

SPRAIN OF THE BACK SINEWS 

Of the hind legs is common among draft horses, especi- 
ally those that are worked on hilly roads. The heel is 
hightened, and the first remedy is high calkins (Fig. 87). 
If the horse is worked, the foot and leg assume the po- 
sition represented in Fig. 88. 

When a horse's heel hightens, examine the back sinews. 
Feel them gently to discover if one place is tenderer, 
harder, or even slightly warmer than another. If this 





ig. 87. High calkins for Sprain 
of the Back Sinews. 



88. The result of work- 
after the sprain. 



fails, pinch them hard and run the fingers down them, 
marking the part that causes flinching. Healthy tendon 
will endure any amount of pressure ; diseased tendon is 
acutely sensitive. Cut the hair short and keep the part 
constantly damp with a linen bandage. Do not blister, 
It requires from three to six months 



LAMENESSES. 205 

to effect a cure. The only remedy for a badly contracted 
tendon is its division, but the operation weakens the part. 

WINDGALLS 

Are soft swellings of the fetlock joints, formerly sup- 
posed to contain air. They really contain joint oil. They 
are sometimes as large as walnuts. 





Fig. S9. "Windfalls, before dissection. Fig. 00. After dissection. 

Remedy. — Equable pressure by flannel or wash leather 
bandages. Bandages wetted with white lotion (f ounce 
of zinc sulphate, 1 ounce lead acetate, in quart of water). 
Rest, hand rubbing, blisters. Shoe so as to prevent con- 
cussion. 

SEEDY TOE 

Consists in the formation of a cheesy or mealy and 
therefore imperfect horn, which is incapable of maintain- 
ing the union between the outer wall and lamina?. When 
the defective horn shrinks, a crack is left for the recep- 
tion of dirt. When not caused by inflammation or press- 
ure of the shoe clip, it originates in some inherent cause, 
such as weak feet, &c. Lameness is not invaribly present. 

Remedy. — Remove diseased parts; promote growth of 
healthy horn by blisters and moisture. Bar shoes ; sole 
pressure ; remove shoe clips. 



206 



THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 



NAVICULAR DISEASE (Grogginess), 

Is a rarifying inflammation of the navicular bone, with 
death of the articular cartilages and surrounding structures. 
The tendon of the flexor pedis perforans muscle is subse- 
quently inflamed and becomes adherent to the navicular 
bone. Concussion and rheumatic predisposition are be- 
lieved to be the chief causes. (Dan.) 

It is the most fertile cause of lameness, and is the bane 
of horse flesh. Strain or laceration of the tendon is never 
a primary condition. The disease begins as an inflamma- 




Fig. 91 represents the phalangeal hones in their naturallv oblique position. 
The upper part of the long- pastern bone (a), to toe of os pedis (c), is a 
continuously oblique line. This obliquity of position enables the bone 
to act as a spring, modifying concussion and giving elasticity of step and 
freedom from jar. The coronary bone (/>) rests entirely on the os pedis. 
The navicular hone (d), placed posteriorly, bears no weight, but gives 
increased leverage power to the tendon (e). This bone, like the sesa- 
moids, is a muscular appendage, and is not intended to support weight 
Compare with Pig. 92 on opposite page. 

tion of the cancellated structure of the navicular bone, 
or of the cartilage, on its inferior surface. It is caused 
by the rheumatoid diathesis (taint), concussion, and change 



LAMENESSES. 



207 



in the relative position of the navicular bones, brought 
about by turned down, calkined, or thick heeled shoes. 
(Williams.) 

Remedy. — Remove shoes and allow frog to come to 
the ground. Stand in cold water or apply cold wet swabs 
for several hours daily. Poultice at night. Physic and 




Fig. 92 represents the bones after their naturally oblique position lias been 
changed to an almost perpendicular position by thick heeled shoes. 
The lower end of the os coronas (b) rests partly on the navicular (d), 
instead of wholly on the pedal bone (c) ; hence the disease. 

cooling diet. After 2 or 3 weeks blister coronet lightly. 
If necessary seton frog for 3 or 4 weeks. If disease still 
persists, relegate to slow work ; shoes without heels or toe 
piece, or try neurotomy. Concussion is diminished by 
shoeing with leather and using shoes thick in quarters 
and thin at toe and heels. 



208 



THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 



HORN TUMOR (KERATOMA), 

Is caused either by pressure of the toe clip of the shoe, 
the clip having been hammered too tightly by the smith, 
or by the animal striking the toe against the ground. 
These tumors are analogous to corns in the human feet, 
and consist of an increased secretion of horn. They are 
peculiar to the hind feet, but they are not uncommon in 
the fore. 



a. 




Fig. 03. Keratoma, a, horn tumor. 

Remedy. — First try properly adjusted shoes. If this 
fails, isolate the diseased part by grooving, as in the pro- 
cess of 'stripping,' but leave the horn unstripped. Strip- 
ping consists in the removal of tbe whole of the crust 
immediately over the diseased part, by cutting through it 
on either side from top to bottom, detaching it from the 
sole, and tearing it off, leaving the sensitive parts ex- 
posed. This cruel treatment should never be resorted to 



LAMENESSES. 



209 



except where all other means have failed, for it is liable 
to be followed by evil results. 

CAPPED HOCK 

Is of two kinds— synovial and serous. The synovial ap- 
pears as a tense, fluctuating swelling, on both sides of the 
point of the hock. It causes lameness and sometimes 
abscesses from caries of the bone. The serous (a watery 
abscess) is caused by pressure or violence, especially kick- 
ing. It is unsightly when large. It sometimes causes 
lameness. 




Fig. 94. Capped Hoek. 




Fig. 95. Large specimen 



Remedy;, — Hot fomentations; then stimulate by can- 
tharides liniment or mercuric iodide ointment; soft soap 
rubbed in daily. Equable pressure sometimes aj^plied by 
truss. Evacuate serous abscess; inject cavity with iodine 
or astringents. In bursal form of capped hock use shoe 
raised at heel. 

Treat Capped Knee and Capped Elbow the same as 
Capped Hock. 

SANDCRACK 

Consists of a fissure of greater or less extent in any part 
of the foot, but usually in the inner quarters of the fore 
and the toes of the hind feet. The crack opens and closes 
at every step, causing great pain and sometimes bleeding. 
Some horses seem to be predisposed to the disorder, but 
the cause is usually bad shoeing. Sandcrack never unites. 
A new crust must be cultivated. 



210 THE DISEASES OP THE HORSE. 

Remedy. — Eemove shoe, bottom crack, clear away dirt, 
and allow pus, if any, to escape. Foment, poultice, rest. 
Laxative when there is much pain and lameness. When 
these are abated, pare away upper part of cracked horn, 
cutting off connection with secreting coronary substance. 
Bar shoe, made to relieve cracked horn from pressure and 
concussion. When work is resumed, plug the crack with 
gutta-percha to keep out dirt. Hold split parts together 
by clasp, or by nails driven on the sides, with wire wrap- 
ped tightly around them. ' Stripping ' in extreme cases 
only. 

PUMICE FOOT 

Is a deformity caused by hard work. A horse reared 
on marshy land usually has weak feet, which are soon 
deformed if it is worked on stony roads or streets. The 
symptoms are bulging sole, weak crust, strong bars, and 
good frog. The hoof is marked by rings, the pastern be- 
ing long and slanting. (Mayhew). Dun says the disorder 
is caused by laminitis (described on page 201). 

Remedy. — Bar shoe of the dish kind, with wide web. 
Leather soles to lessen concussion. Stimulate coronet. 

SHIVERING OR JINKBACK 

Is imperfect motor power or weakness of the back and 
loins, and is usually shown in backing or turning a horse 
rapidly. The forward movement may be natural. It is 
probably caused by disease of the spinal cord, but it may 
possibly sometimes be hereditary. 

Remedy. — Treatment is of little avail. Light work 
without weight on back. Sling at night (for rest) if nec- 
essary. 



AGE. 



211 




1-Year-Old, Lower Jaw {Brandt). 




2- Year-Old, Lower Jaw ; drawn from Nature. 




Year-Old, Lower Jaw ; drawn from Nature. 



212 




4-Year-Old, Lower Jaw ; drawn from Nature. 




5-Year-Old, Lower Jaw ; drawn from Nature. 



213 




7- Year-Old, Lower Jaw (Brandt). 



214 




10- Year-Old, Upper Jaw (Walsh). About % nat. size. 



215 




11 years, Upper Jaw. The marks have disappeared. 



The Mark, dissected as it 
were. (See page 221.) 




c, The Dentinal star, some- 
times mistaken for the 
mark. (See page 221.) 




12 years, Lower Jaw. Change in shape is now clearly defined. 
The respective pairs (centrals, dividers, corners) assume in turn 
(from 12 years till old age) various shapes — semi-square, rounded, 
triangular, wedge-shaped, etc. 



216 




13 years, Lower Jaw. 




14 years, Lower Jaw. 




15 years, Upper Jaw. 



217 




18 years, Lower Jaw. 




19 years, Lower Jaw. 



218 




20 years, Lower Jaw. 




21 years, Upper Jaw. 




22 years, Upper Jaw. 




Id years, Upper Jaw. 



219 




21 years, Lower Jaw. 




25 years, Lower Jaw. 




26 years, Lower Jaw. 




27 years, Upper Jaw. 



220 



AGE. 




28 years, Upper Jaw. 




29 years, Upper Jaw. 




A Parrot-Mouth (lower jaw). The ten lines represent ten 
years' growth. The marks, having never been worn, represent 
a 6-year-old. The horse is therefore 16 years old. (This cut, 
as well as many of the preceding, is from Brandt's "Age of 



THE MARK AND DENTINAL STAR. 

(Illustrated on page 215.) 

The mark (also called central enamel, infundibulum, 
&c.) is composed of enamel, the hardest of the three con- 
stituent parts of the teeth — enamel, dentine, and cement. 

The dentinal star, so called because it is composed of 
dentine, appears about the ninth year. It has a yellow 
tint, which is the best means of distinguishing it from 
the mark. Its appearance is accounted for as follows : 
When the tooth wears nearly to the pulp or nerve cavity, 
the pulp becomes gradually converted into dentine, fill- 
ing the upper part of the cavity from the inside as per- 
fectly as a dentist can fill a cavity from the outside. The 
star is visible eight or ten years. After it is worn out, 
there will be a cavity of course. 




Fig. 96. Skeleton of Cow. 



PART II. 



THE DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



CONTAGIOUS PLEUROPNEUMONIA, 

Also called lung disease, pulmonary murrain, zymotic 
or epizootic pleuro-pneumonia, &c, is an incurable febrile 
disease. Gresswell says it is believed .to be generated by 
aud due to a definite micrococcus (mite). It may be acute, 
subacute, or chronic. 

Symptoms. — Elevation of temperature or a slight cough 
is usually the first sign. The temperature will range from 
100 to 107°. Shiverings; hair stands wrong way; slight 
loss of appetite ; breathing difficult and laborious ; nos- 
trils dilated ; flanks heave ; mouth hot ; muzzle dry ; gums 
pale, lilac color; walls of chest, rib spaces, and back from 
withers to loins more or less sensitive to pressure ; appe- 
tite worse ; milk diminishes ; emaciation begins ; bowels 
irregular; watery or sticky discharge from nostrils; ab- 
normal sounds in bronchial tubes and mucous rattle over 
lungs ; cough worse ; back arched and head and neck ex- 
tended when coughing. 

In what is. called the second stage, these symptoms are 
intensified and others appear. Death sometimes occurs in 
the first stage. 

Remedy. — Slaughter and general and thorough disin- 
fection of premises. Vaccination and inoculation should 
be left to the veterinarian. 



224 THE DISEASES OF CATTLE. 

' Sporadic Pleuro-Pneumonia ' is described by Gresswell. 
He says it is "amenable to judicious treatment." 

FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE, 

Also called eczema contagiosa, eczema epizootica, epi- 
zootic aphtha, aphthous fever, murrain, epidemic, &c, is 
a highly contagious and infectious febrile disease, associ- 
ated with a vesicular eruption in the mouth, between 
the pedal digits, and around the coronets. In some cases 
the mouth only is affected ; in others the feet only. In 
milk cows the mammary glands and lactiferous ducts are 
sometimes affected. When this is the case, the milk is 
unfit for use for either man or beast, for it may cause 
eruptions in the mouth, larynx, pharynx, and alimentary 
canal. Sheep, goats, swine, dogs, poultry, and even hu- 
man beings are liable to the disease. 

Dr. Klein says the disease is due to micrococci (mites). 
Mild cases require little treatment, as the disease runs a 
definite course and ends in recovery in about a week. 

Remedy. — Salicylate sodium, 3 drams, spirit nitrous 
ether, 1 fluid oz., water, 7 oz., twice daily. 

Sulphite sodium, 3 drams, water 8 oz., 2 or 3 times 
daily. 

Sulphite sodium, 3 drams, aniseeds, 1 oz., fenugreek, 

1 oz., in food 3 times daily, when other medicines are 
not given. 

Gargles : 1. Boric acid, 1' part, glycerine, 5 fluid parts, 
water, 11 parts, several times daily. 2. Acid solution ni- 
trate mercury, 4 drops, water, 1 oz., several times daily. 
3. Permanganate potassium, 3 to 4 grains, water, 1 oz., 

2 or 3 times daily. 

Ointments for feet and teats : 1. Boric acid, 1 part, 
vaselin, 3 parts, lard, 3 parts. 2. Carbolic acid, 1 part, 
lard or vaselin, 30 parts. 3. Iodoform, 20 grains, oil 
eucalyptus, 20 drops, carbolic acid, 20 drops, lard or vas- 
elin, 1£ oz. Latter especially good for sores and ulcers. 



GENERAL DISEASES. 225 

TUBERCULAR CONSUMPTION (TUBERCU- 
LOSIS), 

Which is so prevalent among cattle, is doubtless caused 
by a bacillus (atmospheric mite). It may be found, says 
Gresswell, that bovine tuberculosis can be stamped out as 
cattle plague, foot and mouth disease, sheep scab, pleuro- 
pneumonia, and rabies can. There are indications that 
protective inoculation with, tubercular matter obtained 
from fowl which have died of the disease will throw light 
on a method of prevention. 

Symotoms. — In well developed cases the ox is emaci- 
ated ; sluggish movements ; dull look ; eyes sunken ; skin 
dry and adheres to ribs ; hair lacks healthy luster and is 
often damp ; slight exertion causes sweating, laborious 
breathing, and great distress ; great weakness, sometimes 
even lowering the head to the ground for relief; mem- 
branes of mouth and other orifices pale yellow; appetite 
capricious and less than in health ; dejections (excrements) 
bad ; stomach may be more or less distended with gas ; 
constipation and diarrhea may alternate; coughs up a 
viscid, usually inodorous, but sometimes offensive matter, 
which may contain yellowish cheesy flakes, &c. 

Remedy. — Well developed cases are incurable. In mild 
attacks fatten and slaughter. In milk cows, stop milk- 
ing ; give fattening food, such as oil cake and good hay ; 
avoid grasses and roots. If there are any ulcerating scrof- 
ulous glands, dress with carbolic acid and chalk or some 
other antiseptic. 

CARBUNCULAR FEVER (ANTHRAX), 

Also called Texas fever, splenic fever, trembles, char- 
bon, blain, &c, is supposed to be the disease referred to 
in Exodus, chapter ix, as the " boil which came forth as 
blains upon man and beast throughout all Egypt." (Rob- 
ertson. ) 



226 THE DISEASES OE CATTLE. 

The disease is contagious, very rapid iu its course, and 
is caused by the vegetable organism bacillus anthracis. It 
is both enzootic and epizootic, occurring whenever and 
wherever conditions favor the growth of the germs, one 
of which is rainy weather followed by heat. 




Fig. 97. Gloss-Anthrax or Blain, early stage. 

Symptoms. — Stops feeding and chewing cud suddenly; 
shivers ; moves stiffly and unsteadily ; limbs rigid ; soon 
falls and is unable to move ; may, however, stand for a 
while, back curved. The spleen is usually especially af- 
fected, but sometimes it is the bowels; severe convulsions 
are not uncommon ; tenacious mucus flows from mouth ; 
tongue becomes of a darker hue ; belly distended ; passes 
liquid and blood-stained excreta and sometimes a large 
quantity of dark blood ; blood sometimes flows from nos- 
trils ; white of eyes become dark red ; eyes sink in orbit ; 
tears flow over face, &c. 

Death may follow in a few minutes, hours, or a day. 
Recovery is rare. 

Remedy. — Sulphite sodium, 3 drams, salicylate sodium, 
3 drams, tincture aconite (B. P.), 40 drops, water a suf- 
ficient quantity, every 4 hours. 

Liquified carbolic acid, 30 drops, gentian, 2 oz., ani- 
seed, 2 oz., in pint of water every 4 hours. 



SEVERAL DISEASES. 



227 



Mix 12 oz. (ounces) each of carbolic acid and sodium 
bicarbonate with 4 fluid oz. of glycerine ; give 2 table- 
spoonfuls of the mixture in a quart of water 3 times daily. 
The latter mixture is much used in America. 

Kill all hopelessly sick cattle and bury the carcasses 6 
feet deep, spreading quick lime over them. Disinfect 
premises and every thing used in treating the sick. Sep- 
arate sick from well. 

BLACK-LEG OR BLACK QUARTER, 

Also called symptomatic anthrax, quarter ill, inflamma- 
tory fever, carbuncular erysipelas, emphysema infectuo- 
sum, speed, Chabert's disease, &c, is a very fatal and in- 
fectious disease. It is caused by a rod-like germ very 
similar to the ' bacillus anthracis/ 

The disease is peculiar to calves and cattle under two 
years of age. Setoning the dew-lap (fold of skin on 
throat), first dressing the seton with black oil, is said to 
be an almost certain preventive. Recovery from this dis- 
ease is rare. Death usually occurs in two or three days 
from blood poisoning. 




Fig. 98. Three-jointed, sharp Seton Needle. 

Symptoms. — Dull; listless; lame in one or two limbs, 
either hind or fore ; appetite fails ; stops chewing cud ; 
thirst ; head protruded ; white of eye bloodshot ; mouth 
hot ; moans ; if forced to move, staggers and drops down ; 
constipated ; then feces become soft and tinged with blood ; 
skin dry and rough ; harsh and staring coat ; urine, at 



228 THE DISEASES OF CATTLE. 

first high colored, becomes deeply blood stained ; loins, 
back, ribs tender; painful swellings at fetlock, knee 
joint, hock joint, stifle, elbow, or shoulder, which may 
soon mortify, &c. 

Remedy. — Gentle laxative, then sulphite sodium, 1 
dram, salicylate sodium, 1 dram, wate.r a sufficient quan- 
tity, every G hours. 

Incise and dress tumors, if large, with carbolic acid, 1 
part, water, 25. Good hay, mashes, linseed, or oatmeal 
gruel. Drain wet pastures. 

CATTLE PLAGUE 

Is a contagious febrile disease, and is probably caused 
by a micrococcus. It is peculiar to Asia. 

ACTINOMYCOSIS, 

Known in the past as cancerous, scrofulous, or schirrous 
tongue, in Germany as wooden tongue and throat boil, is 
characterized by tumors of various size and shape on the 
tongue, jaw, tooth sockets, bones, and soft tissues of the 
head, from which parts it may spread. It is described as 
"a, new and infectious disease of animals and man." In 
cattle it is due to a fungus called ' actinomyces ' (ray 
fungus). Moldy straw, barley, or chaff, especially if the 
mouth be sore or lacerated, is liable to cause the disease. 
Moldy foods usually contain vegetable parasites. As in 
foot and mouth disease, an ox will slaver and champ and 
chew its hay, but will usually eject it. But it will eat 
mashes and linseed gruel. 

Remedy. — Incise the tumors and then apply the fol- 
lowing mixture : Iodine, 1 part, carbolic acid. 4 fluid parts, 
glycerine, 4 fluid parts. Tincture of iodine, plain or di- 
luted with alcohol (methylated or not), will answer. 

Gargle : Acid solution nitrate mercury, 8 drops, water, 
1 oz. Will do for wash also after incision of tumors. 

Tonics if necessary. Soft, nutritious food. 



GEXERAL DISEASES. 229 

RABIES OR HYDROPHOBIA. 

(See page 50.) 

COW-POX VARIOLA VACCIN/D, 

Affects the udder and teats of cows chiefly. The rash 
consists of small, pale red, hard pustules, varying in size 
from a pea to a horse-bean. The pustules are converted 
into vesicles containing a viscid, yellow fluid. These 
gradually increase in size, until in about eight and a half 
days they are about five-eighths of an inch in diameter. 
In the center they have a light blue tint, but toward the 
margin they are reddish blue or yellow. Their contents 
now become purulent. The center is usually depressed, 
and a crust begins to form there, gradually extending to 
the periphery. The border is hard, swollen, and painful 
and a red areola forms, together with much thickening 
under the skin. 

About the fourteenth day a scab, which is thick, dark, 
adherent, and shining, is formed, and about the fifteenth 
day it becomes detatched, having a depressed scar, which 
is at first bluish red, but gradually turns pale, and per- 
sists for a long time. 

The febrile symptoms are very slight and usually un- 
important. The infection is not dangerous. A partial 
loss of appetite, an abstention from chewing the cud, 
trifling constipation, diminution, and deterioration of the 
milk are observable. The udder is swollen, especially near 
the teats, and milking causes pain. There may be more 
than one eruption of pustules. 

The disease usually lasts about seventeen and a half 
days, but may be protracted to about five weeks, during 
which time the milk is unfit for use. 

Remedy. — Give a laxative and draw off milk with a 
siphon. Draft : Solution acetate ammonium, 4 fluid oz., 
tincture aconite (V. P.), 40 drops, water a sufficient quan- 
tity, 3 times daily. 



230 THE DISEASES OF CATTLE. 

DIPHTHERIA, 

Or a disease resembling it, sometimes affects cattle. 

Symptoms. — Throat sore and swollen; coughing spells; 
flow of saliva from mouth and mucus from nostrils ; ac- 
celerated breathing, causing a crowing sound during in- 
spiration ; may be spasms of larynx, especially if animal 
is excited ; great debility finally supervenes ; pulse, at first 
quick, grows weaker and weaker as the disease progresses ; 
cough worse ; about the third day lymph-casts of parts of 
the air tubes, or flakes of lymph at least, are ejected. 




Fig. 99. Steaming apparatus for Diphtheria, Catarrh, Bronchitis, &e. See 
Fig. 100, an equally good and simpler method. 

Remedy.— Careful nursing. Liquid food. Steam air 
passages with an antiseptic inhalation, such as about a 
teaspoonful of oil of eucalyptus to about a gallon of boil- 
ing water; a free supply of water containing about a 
dram of chlorate of potassium to half bucket water. Good 
air. Salicylic acid, 1 dram, is useful ; also same quantity 
sulphite sodium. 

Puncture throat if there is danger of suffocation. Ton- 
ics if necessary. 



GENEKAL DISEASES. 



231 



MALIGNANT CATARRH, 

A very fatal disease, causing death in from three to 
seven days, is said to be non-contagious and to result 
from inflammation induced by exposure to cold. (See 
•'Catarrh/ the simple form, page, 70.) 

Symptoms. — Shivering fits; dull look; membranes 
bluish red; eyes close; eyelids swell; tears flow over 
cheeks ; painful, frequent cough ; feeble pulse ; constipa- 
tion followed by diarrhea; profuse discharges from nos- 
trils and mouth; sometimes the horns drop off. 

Remedy. — Remove to warm sheds. Tincture perchlo- 
ride of iron, 1 fluid oz., salicine, 1 dram, simple sirup, 4 
fluid oz., water a sufficient quantity, 3 times daily. 

Gargle : Acid solution nitrate mercury, 6 drops, water, 
1 oz.; or, permanganate potassium, 3 to 4 grains, water, 
1 oz. 




Fig. 100. Steam -bag for Catarrh. 



Purge if necessary. Inhale steam from boiling water, 
in which put a small portion of oil of eucalyptus or car- 
bolic acid, as above for diphtheria, 
during convalescence, 



Tonics and good food 



232 THE DISEASES OF CATTLE. 

RHEUMATISM, 

Like tetanus (lock-jaw), is practically the same in the 
ox as in the horse. (See page 63.) 

Remedy. — Tincture aconite (V. P.), 30 drops, salicyl- 
ate sodium, 4 drams, bicarbonate potassium, 1 oz., water 
in proportion, every 6 hours. Or, tincture colchicum, £ 




U 

Fig. 101. Knee joint after Chronic Rheumatism. 

oz., tincture aconite (V. P.), 30 drops, bicarbonate pot- 
assium, 1 oz., water in proportion, every 6 hours. 

Liniment : Alcohol, 1 pint, ammonia, £ oz., oil orga- 
num, ^ oz., oil sassafras, ^ oz., tincture capsicum, -| oz., 
tincture opium, £ oz., spirit turpentine, i oz., camphor, 
£ oz. 



GENEKAL DISEASES. 



233 



RICKETS OR RACHITIS (Bone Softening), 

When not hereditary, is caused by a lack of health- 
giving food. It is peculiar to young animals. Give 1| 
to 3 drams phosphate of lime once a day, or cod liver 
oil, 4 oz., lime water, 2 oz., once a day. Nutritious diet 
and pure air. (See page 69.) 




Fig. 102. Rickets in humerus of dog. 

BONE BRITTLENESS (FRAGILITAS OSSIUM), 

Is rare except in districts where the water and soil are 
lacking in lime salts and phosphates. The general health 
is affected and fractures are common. 

Remedy. — Change pasture and water and feed on nu- 
tritious, phosphatic foods. The salts of iron are valuable 
tonics. Sulphate or carbonate of iron is useful, but the 



234 THE DISEASES OF CATTLE. 

citrate of iron and ammonium, in 2-dram doses, twice a 
day, is even better. Vegetable tonics and the phosphate 
of calcium are valuable. Soft water seems to be bad for 
cows. (See ' Osteoporosis,' page 68. 

AN/EMIA (Lack of Blood), 

Is caused by underfeeding or unhealthy food. Prevent 
by good feeding, and if medicine is necessary, give any 
of the following : 

Powdered gentian, 1| oz., powdered ginger, \ oz., gran- 
ulated sulphate of iron, 2 drams, powdered nux vomica, 
40 grains, powdered capsicum, £ dram, in a pint of water, 
gruel, or ale, twice daily. 

Powdered gentian, 1 oz., powdered ginger, -J oz., car- 
bonate ammonium, £ oz., carbonate iron, 2 drams, in a 
pint of warm water, gruel, or ale, twice daily. 

Solution hydrochlorate strychnine, 2 drams, tincture cap- 
sicum, 4 drams, tincture perchloride iron, 1 oz., in pint 
of warm water or gruel, once daily. 

DIABETES, 

Though rare, is practically the same in the ox as in 
the horse. (See page 63.) The remedies should be the 
same as for anaemia (above), giving a laxative first if nec- 
essary. 

TETANUS (LOCK-JAW), 

Is not as common in the ox as in the horse. If the 
jaws are not too firmly locked, give bromide potassium, 4 
drams, anise fruit, 4 drams, in warm water or gruel, thrice 
daily. (See page 53.) 

GOITER 

Is enlargement of the thyroid gland, and is caused by 
water obtained from magnesian limestone. It may be he- 
reditary. Change water, or use rain water or water acted 
on by carbonate of sodium. It is more common in sheep 
than cattle, (See page 78.) 



GENERAL DISEASES. 235 



SCARLET FEVER 

Is a specific, contagious, and infectious disease, com- 
municable perhaps even to man by means of the milk 
and inoculation. It is peculiar to recently calved cows. 
The disease lasts from five weeks to even three months. 
It is caused by a micrococcus. 

Symptoms. — Short fever; quick breathing; hacking 
cough ; sore throat in severe cases ; discharges from nos- 
trils and eyes; eruption on skin around eyes; also hind 
quarters; vesicles on teats and udder; teats double in 
size; vesicles, at first the size of a pea, enlarge to half- 
inch ulcers, with reddish brown scabs ; scabs may remain 
25 days or longer ; watery fluid exudes from under scab ; 
ulcers leave a whitish, flat, indistinct scar, &c. 

Remedy. — Solution acetate ammonium, 4 fluid ounces; 
spirit nitrous ether, 1 fluid oz., bicarbonate potassium, % 
oz., water, 3| oz., 3 times a day. Draw off milk with 
siphon* Feed calf by hand. 

PURPLE FEVER (PURPURA H/EMORRHAGICA), 

Is a specific, eruptive blood fever, of an intermittent 
type, in which the skin, mucous membranes, connective 
tissue of the lungs and kidneys and coats of the intesti- 
nal walls are mainly affected. It seems to result from 
exposure or foul air, and often follows a disease like 
catarrhal fever. It runs its course in about a week, and, 
like anthrax, which it resembles, is often fatal. It is 
peculiar to calves rather than adults. (See page 47.) 

Symptoms. — Pain and slight swellings in one or more 
limbs; may be purple or dark red spots in nostrils and 
pimples on skin ; blood seems to be thinner than usual ; 
it or red serum, or both, exudes, especially on the mucous 
and serous membranes ; temperature changeable, but may 
suddenly reach 106° F. or more; hot and rather circum- 
scribed swellings appear on various parts of the body, 



236 THE DISEASES OF CATTLE. 

from which, and also from. the nostrils, a reddish fluid 
flows; these swellings interfere somewhat with breathing 
and swallowing; heart weak and fluttering; pulse small 
and double. 

Remedy. — Nutritious, digestible food. Stimulants. 

Drafts : 1. Quinetum (mixed alkaloids from cinchona 
bark), 1 dram, tincture perchloride iron, 1 fluid oz., oil 
turpentine, ^ fluid oz., water in proportion, twice daily. 
2. Powdered gentian, 1 oz., powdered ginger, •£ oz.. car- 
bonate ammonium, £ oz., carbonate iron, 2 drams, in 
pint warm water, gruel, or ale, twice daily. 

POISONS. 

Among the poisonous plants and minerals common to 
cattle are the following : 

Meadow Saffron or Autumn Crocus. Give mucilage of 
linseed with 2 ounces spirit ammonia and 4 ounces brandy 
every 4 hours. 

Aconite. Give 2 ounces spirit ammonia with 4 ounces 
of brandy in gruel every 2 hours, repeated as often as 
necessary. 

Yew. Give 4 ounces spirit of ammonia with 8 ounces 
brandy in quart of mucilage linseed, repeated in 1 hour, 
and at intervals of 2, 3, or 4 hours if necessary. Purge 
with 8 to 10 drams of aloes, followed by a quart of lin- 
seed oil after the first draft. Mustard to belly. Open 
paunch and remove foliage if necessary. 

Woody Nightshade. Treat as for yew. It is often 
fatal. 

^Ergot is caused by the growth of a fungoid parasite 
which infests most of the grasses and cereals. It is most 
common in damp situations. Cut the grass when in full 
bloom, and thus prevent the formation of ergot. Tannin 
and stimulants are antidotes for ergot. 

Arsenic. Copious quantities of linseed mucilage and 
gruel. Hydrated peroxide of iron, 1 ounce every hour 



LEAD POISONING. 237 

for 3 or 4 hours ; then every 3 hours for a day or so. 
Stimulate with spirit of ammonia and brandy and give 
tincture of opium in 2-ounce doses for pain if it is nec- 
essary. 

Lead. Epsom salt, 10 ounces, Glauber's salt, 10 ounces, 
4 drams diluted sulphuric acid, 20 drops croton oil, in 
gruel. Eepeat in 8 or 10 hours, giving half the quantity 
only. After the first draft, mucilage of linseed or gruel 
should be given in large quantities every hour; and at 
each alternate hour 4 drams of diluted sulphuric acid 
may be added. 



DISEASES OF THE ALIMENTARY 
SYSTEM. 



THRUSH OR APHTHA 

Is practically the same in cattle as in sheep. (See 
sheep.) As in the human species, young animals, espe- 
cially sucking calves, are often attacked. The disease is 
usually mild unless the vesicles or tiny bladders extend to 
the gullet, stomach, or intestines. 

Begin the treatment with a gentle aperient ; then gar- 
gle with chlorate of potassium or alum, 15 grains to each 
ounce of water, 2 or 3 times daily. Laxative diet. In 
severe cases carbonate of ammonium and other stimulants 
are necessary. 

HOVEN (TYMPANITES), 

Also known as hove, hoove, blown, dew-blown, fog- 
sickness, &c, is an important and common disease in 
cattle and sheep, but is usually curable if taken in time 




Fig. 103. Hoven. 



and properly treated. The swelling, as is shown in the 
illustration, is on the left side. 



HOVEtf. 



239 



The swelling is caused by gas in the first stomach (the 
rumen or paunch), and is usually the result of injudicious 
feeding. Sudden change from a poor diet to a rich one 
is bad, for it causes overeating. The swelling is some- 
times chronic, when it may depend on the presence of 
foreign bodies in the rumen. 

Remedy. — Begin with a purge ; then give hyposulphite 
of sodium, ^ oz., water in proportion, and repeat several 
times at intervals of from 2 to 4 hours. 

2. Ether, 2 fluid oz., carbonate ammonium, -J oz., spirit 
chloroform, 1 fluid oz., water in proportion, at intervals 
of 4 hours. 

3. Sulphocarbolate sodium, ^ oz., bromide potassium, 2 
drams, chlorodyne, 6 fluid drams, water in proportion, at 
intervals of from 4 to 6 hours. 




104. Mode of securing ox in passing Probang for either gas or choking. 




Fig. 105, The Probang. 

When foreign substances or food causes choking, the 
use of the probang is necessary, provided the obstructing 
body cannot be reached with the hand. The probang 



240 THE DISEASES OF (ATTLE. 

should be 6 or 7 feet in length. Its use is illustrated in 
Figs. 104, 105. Some animals require to be very securely 
fastened, while others may be held by hand. 

ENGORGEMENT OF THE OMASUM OR THIRD 
STOMACH (OMASITIS), 

Also called fardel-bound and grass staggers, is probably 
caused by old fog-grass, straw, dry, harsh, and badly cured 
hay, and any coarse herbage or heath. Very bad hay can 
only be made slightly available by being mixed with a 
large quantity of cut turnips, mangold-wurzel, or grain. 




Fig. 10B. Impaction of the Omasum. 

Symptoms. — Head held low; ears hang; breathing 
difficult ; tip of tongue protrudes ; eyes staring and blood- 
shot; sight impaired; grunts and moans; grinds teeth; 
head pointed toward abdomen, usually the right side, 
on account of pain ; hind legs often moved ; tail lashed ; 
rumen often swelled ; staggers, rolls on side and lies there 
with rigid limbs ; convulsions and death. 

Remedy. — In ordinary cases Epsom salt, 1G oz. or 
more, clears the way for aloes, the former acting on the 
bowels, the latter on the stomach. Oil is useful as an 
adjunct. External stimulating for stomach inflammation. 
Give injections regularly, and watch animal carefully. 
Nitrated drinking water. Sulphate of physostygmine, dis- 
solved, has been injected both intravenously and hvpo- 
dermically (in the veins and under the skin) in doses of 
I to l£ grain. 



ENGORGEMENT OF THE RUMEN. 241 

ENGORGEMENT AND INFLAMMATION OF THE 
RUMEN (PLENALVIA), 

Which is caused by excessive quantities of food, entails 
more suffering than hoven, which is caused mostly by 
gas. The disorders are easily distinguished. The swell- 
ing in hoven resembles an inflated bladder and is reson- 
ant on percussion, while the engorged stomach has a soft, 
doughy feel and pits on pressure. The swelling is on the 
left side in both disorders. The animal is dull ; suffers 




The rumen exposed for mechanical removal of contents. 



pain ; no appetite ; constipated, feces being hard and 
glazed ; pulse small and quick ; lies on right side. Ho- 
ven usually follows, accompanied by difficult breathing, 
moaning, grinding teeth, arching back, protruding muz- 
zle, &c. 

Sometimes the paunch is opened and its contents re- 
moved by hand, but this operation should be performed 
by the veterinarian only. (Fig. 107.) 

The rumen is sometimes ruptured in both hoven and 



242 



THE DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



engorgement, and is usually soon followed by death. Hair 
balls, caused by cattle licking themselves or one another, 
and calculous concretions sometimes form in the rumen, 
reticulum, and abomasum (the first, second, and fourth of 
the four stomachs). See page 111 for 'Calculous Con- 
cretions/ 




Fig. 108. Stomachs, &e. a, Rumen or first stomach. &, Reticulum or 
second stomach, c, Omasum or third stomach, d, Abomasum or 
fourth stomach, e,- Esophagus, throat or gullet. /, Pylorus, entrance 
to intestines. 



Remedy. — Epsom salt, 16 oz., solution of aloes, 4 to 
8 fluid oz., powdered ginger, l-§- oz., aromatic spirit of 
ammonia, 1^ fluid oz. Mix with a rather large quantity 
of warm gruel. Give slowly and carefully by horn. Fol- 
low with \ pint of linseed oil for the purpose of lubrica- 
ting the passages, and if there be no relief after 12 hours, 
repeat the first dose or give 2 pints of castor oil. 



INDIGESTION. 243 

INDIGESTION 

Is caused by errors in diet. Cattle should be supplied 
with food which requires remasticatiou, such as hav, 
grass, or straw, iu addition to any more nutritious foods. 
It seems to be caused by unwholesome herbage or acrid 
or diseased vegetables, such as decayed turnips. The bow- 
els are irregular, the coat stares, and parts of the cud, 
while being chewed, are dropped. A pailful of thick, 
green fluid may be thus lost in two hours. Flesh is lost, 
the secretion of milk is checked and then stopped, the 
appetite is impaired, capricious, and finally lost. Poverty 
of blood and dysentery follow. 

Remedy. — Each ox should receive a draft containing 
14 oz. Epsom salt, 1-J oz. gentian, and 1-J oz. bicarbon- 
ate potassium, mixed, and given in a pint of warm lin- 
seed gruel. For about 6 days 6 drams bicarbonate pot- 
assium should be mixed morning and evening with the 
food of each animal ; or, if preferred, the powdered salt 
may be mixed with 1^ oz. of gentian, and given as a 
draft in gruel or linseed tea. If possible, take cattle to 
a high, dry, and large pasture, or make an entire change 
of food at least. Sound roots, good hay, with oil cake, 
corn, or bran. It is often well to feed little or no green 
food .for a time in the case of animals which have been 
on grass. 

There is a very severe kind of indigestion of calves 
known as 

GASTROENTERITIS. 

It is caused by too much milk, and may result in in- 
flammation of the stomach and intestines, causing an ac- 
rid discharge called ' white scour.' The bowels may, how- 
ever, be constipated. 

Give alkalies in rather large doses. If diarrhea comes 
on, stimulant tonics and cordials are useful in addition 



2U 



THE DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



to more active medicines. Diminish the supply of milk 
£, and substitute linseed gruel. 

Young calves sometimes suffer on account of the pres- 
ence of hair balls. These may be broken up by the 
movements of the stomach. If distress is great, relieve 
with carbonate of ammonium or other stimulant. Trocar 
rumen if necessary. 




Fig. 109. The spot to trocar the rumen or paunch. 

A Jj 



<aa -- -v~ 




Fig. 110. Trocars. 



In calves which have been partially weaned, the abo- 
masum may be overloaded with food, the first and third 
stomachs not having gained the power of properly pre- 



COLICS AND CONSTIPATION. 245 

paring the food for it. This may cause constipation. Give 
oil, be the bowels loose or confined. 

Chronic Indigestion may be caused by irregular feed- 
ing, bad food, lack of exercise and ventilation, exposure, 
internal parasites or foreign bodies, &c. As in the horse, 
the appetite is depraved; the coat stares; the skin feels 
harsh and dry ; the feces are small, hard, dry, and glazed 
with mucus ; the flanks may be now hollow, now swollen ; 
flesh is lost ; the animal has a tucked up ajrpearance, &c. ; 
besides which rheumatism, tuberculosis, diarrhea, &c, may 
supervene. 

Remedy. — Change diet, surrounding conditions, &c, 
as in acute indigestion. Give 14 to 16 oz. Epsom salt, 
followed by stimulants and tonics. A draft of bicarbon- 
ate sodium, 2 oz., sulphur, \ oz., ginger, \ oz., gentian, 
1 oz., mixed with pint warm water, twice daily, is some- 
times beneficial. Puncturing the rumen is sometimes 
necessary. 

SIMPLE COLIC 

Is very rare. When severe, all treatment can be avoided, 
if the animal is in good condition, by slaughtering for 
the market. The actions of the ox are similar to those 
of the horse. Many are the same. (See page 103.) 

Remedy. — Epsom salt, 16 oz. for full-grown ox. In- 
jections. If plethoric, bleed. Drafts : 1. Aromatic spirit 
ammonia, 2 fluid oz., tincture opium, 2 fluid oz. Repeat 
dose in an hour and a half if necessary. 2. Oil turpen- 
tine, -A- fluid oz., tincture opium, \\ fluid oz., spirit ni- 
trous ether, 2 fluid oz., every 4 hours. 

FLATULENT (GAS) COLIC 

Is also rare. The symptoms are not so severe, but are 
more continuous than those of simple colic. Sometimes 
there is distention of the right side of the belly. 

Remedy. — Full dose of physic. Walk a little. Rub 



246 THE DISEASES OF CATTLE. 

right side. Injections and manual exploration of rectum. 
Draft : Solution ammonia, 1 fluid oz., spirit chloroform, 
1 fluid oz., water in proportion, every 4 hours. 

CONSTIPATION, 

Like colic, is usually merely a symptom of disease. 
There is usually redness of the lining membrane of the 
bowels, and also of the eyes and nose. The disorder, as 
a rule, is due to some impediment, as strictures or en- 
gorgements of the stomach or intestines, tumors within 
the bowels or pressure on them from the outside, volvu- 
lus, intussusception, various concretions, &c. 

Remedy. — Soft food. Give a laxative now and then. 
Mild cases often require only injections and bran, linseed, 
herbage, and roots. In severe cases, give 14 or 16 oz. 
Epsom salt. 

DIARRHEA 

Is due to many causes, and like colic and constipation, 
is often only a symptom of disease. It is a serious affec- 
tion, and to be treated intelligently and effectively the 
cause should be ascertained. It may be caused by in- 
llammation, maldigestion, bad food or water, malignant 
catarrh, epizootic pleuro-pneumonia, cattle plague, an- 




Fig. 111. Diarrhea. 



thrax, tuberculosis, &c. There may be severe pain. The 
nppetite is either diminished or depraved. Urine scanty. 



REMEDY EOR DIARRHEA. 247 

If the disease is due to increased activity of the liver, 
whereby a large quantity of bile is discharged into the 
small intestine, the feces are dark brown in color, watery, 
and profuse; if from bad milk or too much milk, they 
are light colored ; if to blood diseases, they are often 
black and fetid ; if to disorder of the pancreas, they are 
usually light colored. 

Remedy. — Powdered opium, 2 drams, catechu, 2 drams, 
galls, 2 drams, prepared chalk, 1 oz., water, 1 pint, twice 
daily. 

Catechu, 2 drams, camphor, 2 drams, powdered bael 
fruit, 2 oz., powdered opium, 2 drams, mucilage of starch, 
1 pint, twice daily. 

For calves : Pepsine, 20 grains, diluted hydrochloric 
acid, 30 drops, sulphate cinchonine, 1\ grains, water or 
mucilage of starch, 1 pint, 2 or 3 times daily. 

Diluted sulphuric acid, 30 drops, tincture catechu, 2 
drams, spirit chloroform, 30 drops, water or mucilage of 
starch, 1 pint, 3 or 4 times daily. 

Salicylate bismuth in 2-dram doses ; also salicylate iron. 

DYSENTERY, 

Inflammation of the lining membrane of the large in- 




Pig. 112. Acute Dysentery. 

testines, often follows diarrhea. It may be accompanied 
by ulceration. It is either acute or chronic. It is due 



248 THE DISEASES OF CATTLE. 

to bad food, exposure, poison, complication with other 
diseases, &c. 

Symptoms. — Abdominal pain; back arched ; constantly 
straining, passing a small quantity of watery material, 
tinged with blood ; there may be vesicles in the nostrils ; 
coat dry and staring; mucous membranes pallid; cars 
hang ; eyes dull, glassy, sunken ; rectum protrudes, &c. 

Remedy. — Ipecac, i oz., powdered opium, 2 drams, 
chalk, 2 oz., galls, 2 oz. Mix well and add a pint of 
warm water or gruel, and give o times daily till cured. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE INTESTINES 
(ENTERITIS), 

Is rare. It usually occurs among working oxen. It 
may be caused by too much blood, exposure, drinking 
cold water when heated, drastic purges, engorgement, &c. 

Symptoms. — Pressure on abdomen or loins causes pain ; 
feces often dry and in small quantities ; toward the end 
there may be a little stream of very offensive liquid ex- 
crement, which has forced its way through the hard mass 
of feces by which the rectum is distended ; acute febrile 
symptoms supervene; stands in one place with muzzle 
protruded; hind limbs become weak ; breathing quick- 
ened; occasional tremors; excessive thirst ; no appetite ; 
moans; grinds teeth; looks at right flank; rectum hot. 
Other symptoms are like those of colic. 

Remedy.— No purging. If plethoric, bleed and repeat 
if necessary, taking even a gallon. Stimulate belly with 
rugs wrung out of hot water, renewed at intervals, and 
by liniments. Give thin, warm gruel with a little linseed 
oil. Draft: Tincture opium, 2 oz., tincture aconite (V. 
P.), 40 drops, every 3 or 4 hours. Impacted feces may 
be removed manually. Anodyne and mucilaginous injec- 
tions may be very advantageous. Assuage thirst with 
nitrated water. 

V. P. means Veterinary Pharmacopeia (Gresswell's). 



A RARE BUT SERIOUS DISEASE. 249 

INFLAMMATION OF THE PERITONEUM 
(PERITONITIS), 

Is a rare but serious disease. The peritoneum invests 
the intestines, stomach, liver, spleen, kidneys, &c. The 
symptoms resemble those of the same disease in the horse, 
namely : At first stands in a very dejected manner ; re- 
peated fits of trembling or shivering, as from cold, fol- 
lowed by a hot stage, throughout which the tremors par- 
ticularly affect the hind legs and flanks ; rumination sus- 
pended and appetite lost; ears, horns, and extremities 
cold; bowels acutely constipated, in some cases giving 
way to diarrhea, which may be profuse and watery or 
even bloody; abdomen swollen, tense, and tender near 
the originally injured or diseased part; urine deficient 
and highly colored ; pulse hard, frequent, wiry ; nostrils 
dilated ; respiration labored, quick, catching, but motion 
confined to chest, abdomen being fixed; looks at flank, 
crouches, paws, moans, grinds teeth; pulse has become 
softer, weaker, smaller, while breathing is slower and less 
painful and labored ; membranes pale ; eyes sunken ; ox 
stands crouching, with feet close together; coldness of 
extremities, &c, increases; temperature suddenly declines 
from 104 or 105° F. to 97 or 95° F.; abdomen falls and 
is fuller and rounder ; less pain and colic ; pulse be- 
comes smaller, more rapid, until it cannot be felt. Death 
occurs in 4 or 5 days from the first appearance of the 
disease. 

Remedy. — No purging or bleeding. Draft : Tincture 
opium, 2 oz., tincture aconite (V. P.), 40 drops, spirit 
chloroform, -J oz., water in proportion, every 6 hours. 
Injections every 4 hours till bowels are opened. Nutrient 
injections for weakness. 



250 THE DISEASES OF CATTLE. 

DROPSY OF THE ABDOMEN (ASCITES), 

Is caused by general debility or mechanical impediment 
to the return of venous blood to the heart, occasioned 
perhaps by disease of that organ or by disease of the 
liver, and also by the pressure of a tumor on the portal 
veins. 

The disease is not frequent in the adult, but often oc- 
curs in the fetus. The best plan in some cases is to cut, 
by the aid of the concealed knife, through the abdomi- 
nal walls of the fetus and let the fluid escape. In the 
adult the belly is distended, and if one hand be placed 
against the abdominal wall, while the opposite side is per- 
cussed, a wave of fluid may be detected. Dropsical swell- 
ings appear on the belly and under the chest. The breath- 
ing is thoracic (chest or thorax), and the animal gradu- 
ally loses blood. The disease is hard to cure. 

Remedy. — Nitrate potassium, 2 drams, bicarbonate pot- 
assium, 4 drams, oil juniper, 1 dram, spirit nitrous ether, 
1 oz., water in proportion. Try to remove the primary 
cause of the complaint. Tonics. Trocar between the 
navel and the iliac bone if necessary. Insert instrument 
gently. 



VARIOUS DISORDERS. 



Imperforate Anus (absence of anus),, occurs mostly in 
calves. Sometimes the opening is closed with skin. Some- 
times the anus itself is perfect, but near the external 
orifice there is a membranous partition. Sometimes the 
large intestine may terminate in a ' cul-de-sac ' (having 
one end open only). In the first and second cases, open 
with crucial incisions. In the third, try to reach the 
blind end and open it. Then sew the edges of the opened 
end to the edges of the cutaneous incision. 

Distention of the Rectum with hard pellets of me- 
conium (fetal excrements) is sometimes so serious as to 
necessitate their removal by the oiled finger. 

Piles may be removed sometimes by ligature or other- 
wise. Soft food and an occasional laxative to counteract 
constipation. 

Prolapsus Ani differs from rupture in that the pro- 
trusion is through the natural anal opening and consists 
chiefly of mucous membrane. It results from violent 
straining, labor pains, or obstruction to the flow of urine. 
The protruded rectum may become strangulated, take on 
a bright red hue, and subsequently, owing to effusion, 
become very much enlarged ; then cold and of a purple 
color. 

Remove the cause of the straining, wash the bowel with 
cold water, and return the part carefully by pressure. If 



25'Z THE DISEASES OF CATTLE. 

the protruded part is purple, amputate it and stitch the 
edges. Soft food. Opium if necessary. 

Volvulus (twist of an intestine) sometimes follows colic. 
Open abdomen on the right side and operate on the in- 
testine, if slaughter is not desirable. 

Intussusception (entrance of one bowel within an- 
other) also follows colic. Bare. Operate as above. 

Rupture (hernia) is about the same in the ox as in 
the horse. In serious cases fatten and slaughter. (For 
description and treatment, see pages 58, 59.) 



DISEASES OF THE LIVER. 



The liver of the ox is situated on the right side, be- 
tween the third stomach and the diaphragm. Unlike the 
liver of the horse, it is provided with a gall-bladder large 
enough to contain several ounces of bile. The bile is 
liable to become thickened and form calculi as large as a 
walnut. These are sometimes discharged in the feces, 
and the pain they cause is thus distinguished from colic. 

Anything that interferes with the secretion of bile may 
cause 

JAUNDICE (THE YELLOWS). 

Jaundice is easily distinguished by the yellow color of 
the skin and membranes and the many other signs of 
disorder which accompany it. But it must not be con- 
founded with the yellowness caused by certain foods. 

See page 133. 

Remedy. — Small quantity of laxative, digestible food. 
Purge with sulphate of magnesium (Epsom salt), 16 oz., 
powdered aloes, 8 drams, powdered ginger, \ oz., mixed 
with a pint of warm water or gruel. 

Draft : Chloride ammonium, 4 drams, bicarbonate pot- 
assium, 1 oz., ginger, 4 drams, in pint of warm water, 
twice daily. 

Anything that interferes with the secretion of bile may 
also cause 

INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER. 

A good draft for inflammation of the liver is : Sul- 
phate sodium, 16 oz., caraway seed, 1 oz., in pint warm 



254 THE DISEASES OF CATTLE. 

water, repeated next day if necessary. A 1-dram dose of 
calomel may be given next day instead of the draft, and 
half that dose for several days afterward. 

Another draft : Tincture aconite (V. P.), 40 drops, chlo- 
ride ammonium, G drams, spirit nitrous ether, 1 fluid oz., 
water in proportion, 3 times daily till fever abates. Then 
omit aconite. 

Draft for Torpid Liver: Diluted nitro-hydrochloric 
acid, 4 fluid drams, spirit chloroform, -A- fluid oz., tinc- 
ture euonymin, 1 fluid oz., water in proportion. 



DISEASES OF THE CIRCULATORY 
SYSTEM. 



The chief disorders of the circulatory system in cattle 
are : 

Anaemic Palpitation is "the result of an attenuated 
and watery condition of the blood. The murmurs, espe- 
cially the aortic, produced when the blood is in this 
state, are softer and more regular than those which arise 
from disease of the heart. They are often made to cease 
by a judicious use of tonics. (Gresswell.) 

Rupture is rare and fatal. It is caused by overexer- 
tion or violence. 

Blue Disease (cyanosis) is the result of imperfect 
closure of the oval foramen (the aperture, in the fetus, 
between the auricles of the heart), whereby the venous 
blood from the right side of the heart mingles with the 
arterial blood of the left side, giving rise to venous pulse 
and anasmic palpitation, to a blue tinge of the skin and 
mucous membranes, and to an emaciated and cold state 
of the body. Moderate exercise may cause death. The 
young animals usually either die or are killed. 

The heart is sometimes found outside the body in calves 
and lambs. Death usually follows shortly after birth. 

Inflammation of the Pericardium (pericarditis) may 
occur independently or in connection with rheumatism or 
contagious pleuro-pneumonia. Careful treatment. Death 
may occur in two days. 



256 THE DISEASES OF CATTLE. 

Symptoms. — A shivering fit, then becomes dull ; pulse 
accelerated, moderately full and hard, hut soon becomes 
wiry; respiration quickened and labored; nostrils dila- 
ted ; bowels constipated and urine highly colored ; head 
held low ; limbs very cold and usually become dropsical 
toward the latter stage ; sometimes the fluid may be de- 
tected inside as well as beneath the chest, extending along 
the abdomen; pressure on left side causes great pain; 
flanks hollow ; a line runs along the side of the abdomen 
and chest corresponding to the external oblique muscle, 
which appears to be unusually contracted, causing the 
whole abdomen to act irregularly; friction sounds and 
venous pulse are present, &c. Animals living beyond the 
sixth day usually recover. 




Fig. 113. Inflammation of the* Pericardium (Pericarditis). 

Remedy.— Drafts : 1. Epsom salt, 12 to 10 oz., calo- 
mel, i to 1 dram, croton oil, 5 to 10 drops, ground gin- 
ger, 1 to 2 oz. 2. Epsom salt, 12 to 16 oz., croton oil, 
10 to 30 drops, ground ginger, 2 oz., molasses, 1 lb., lin- 
seed mucilage, 1 quart. 3. Niter, 4 drams, powdered dig- 
italis, 2 drams. Mix and give £ part in a pint of gruel 
every 3 hours. 

Inflammation of the Lining Membranes of the 
Cavities of the Heart (endocarditis) is usually a com- 
plication of rheumatism. Careful treatment. Fatten and 
slaughter. 



DISOEDEES OF THE HEAET. 257 

Inflammation of the Heart (carditis) may be an ac- 
companiment of either pericarditis or endocarditis. The 
muscular substance of the heart is sometimes inflamed 
near a deposit or seat of injury. Usually fatal. 

Foreign Bodies in the Heart, such as pins, nails, 
&c, is not uncommon. An animal may live some time 
with a needle in its heart. If practicable, fatten and 
slaughter. 

Enlargement of the Heart (hypertrophy) is not un- 
common. 

Embolism is plugging a vessel, such as the iliac ar- 
teries, the most usual seat of the disorder, with clots of 
fibrin (a constituent part of the blood), lymph, &c. 



DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY 
SYSTEM. 



BLEEDING FROM THE NOSTRILS (EPISTAXIS), 

Is the same in cattle as in horses. (See page 76.) 
Remedy.— Draft : Tincture perchloride iron, H oz., 

tincture ergot, 1 oz., water in proportion; or, sulphate 

iron, 2 drams, powdered ergot, 1 oz., water in proportion. 
Cold water and styptic applications or plugging the 

nostrils may be necessary. If from a polypus, remove 

with ligature or ecraseur. 

SIMPLE CATARRH, 

The cause and symptoms of which are practically the 
same in the ox as in the horse, is described on page 70, 
which see; also 'Malignant Catarrh/ page 231. 

Remedy. — Draft: Solution acetate ammonium, 4 oz., 
bicarbonate potassium, 1 oz., spirit chloroform, ^ oz., 
water in proportion, 2 or 3 times daily. 

Steam with boiling hot water, to which has been added 
a small proportion of carbolic acid or eucalyptus oil, and 
put in warm but well ventilated shed. 

SORE THROAT (LARYNGITIS), 

Like the two preceding disorders, is the same in cattle 
as in horses. (See page 72.) It differs from catarrh in 
that the discharge is from the mouth instead of the nos- 
trils. 

Remedy. — Tincture belladonna, 6 drams, solution ac- 
etate ammonium, 4 oz., water in proportion, 3 times a 
day. Steam as for catarrh. Gargle : Tincture iodine, 1 



BRONCHITIS. 



259 



part to 20 of water. Liniment for throat : Mustard, 4 
oz., oil turpentine, 5 oz.; or, powdered cantharides, 1 
oz., olive oil, 8 oz. 




Fig. 114. Steam-bag: for Catarrh, Laryngitis, Bronchitis, &c. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE BRONCHIAL TUBES 
AND TRACHEA (BRONCHITIS), 

Is of rather frequent occurrence in the ox. It is usu- 
ally caused by exposure or such mechanical causes as the 
entry of solid or fluid particles into the air passages, or 
the presence of parasites in the lungs. 

Symptoms. — Pulse hard ; respirations greatly increased 
in number ; cough frequent and distressing ; mucous mem- 
branes purple, owing to want of oxidation ; much debility ; 
profuse discharge from nostrils, at first watery, afterward 
becomes thick ; death may result from suffocation. 

Remedy. — Maintain strength; careful nursing ; pure 
air. Steam as for catarrh ; stimulating applications to 
chest and throat. Purge if necessary ; injections may be 
given. At a later time it is advisable to give diffusible 
stimulants, together with vegetable tonics, and allow a 
liberal diet. 



2G0 THE DISEASES OF CATTLE. 

CHRONIC BRONCHITIS 

Is frequent. There is a persistent hacking cough, gen- 
eral weakness, a tendency to slight febrile attacks, ema- 
ciation, and inability to undergo exertion. The disorder 
may be associated with asthma, lung inflation, and con- 
solidation of parts of the lung. Although in many cases 
tonics, quiet, and digestible food will do a great deal of 
good, slaughter is the best course. The following draft 
may be given : 

Carbonate ammonium, 3 drams, liquor strychninae hy- 
drochloratis, 2 drams, spirit chloroform, % oz., water in 
proportion, twice daily. 

PARASITIC BRONCHITIS, 

Also called hoose or husk, frequently occurs in calves 
under a year old, causing considerable mortality. It is 
caused by a worm known as the ' Strongylus micrurus,' 
which is found also in the alimentary canal and in the 
heart and blood vessels. It is peculiar to wet seasons and 
low, badly drained lands. Calves kept out late in the 
autumn, on fields on which animals suffering with the 
disease have grazed, are especially liable to it. The cough 
is very forcible and has a special hacking character. It 
causes the expulsion of stringy mucus, in which parasites 
or their ova may be seen with a low power of the micro- 
scope, and sometimes with the unaided eye. The calves 
become emaciated and there may be diarrhea. The worms 
are present in the bronchial tubes and air passages, im- 
peding respiration. 

Remedy. — Place the severely affected in comfortable 
quarters. The bedding on which the discharges fall should 
be frequently removed and destroyed. Place the slightly 
affected on high and dry pastures. Pure water and rock 
salt. Fumigation with the gas from burning sulphur and 
iodine is strongly recommended, but it should be used 



SIMPLE OR CURABLE PKEtDIOXIA. 261 

cautiously, as the parasites cau stand more perhaps than 
the calves. 

PNEUMONIA (Inflammation of the Lungs), 

Is not common in cattle as a distinct disease, being 
usually associated with pleurisy. Pneumonia must not be 
confounded with the deadly, infectious, and incurable 
pleuro-pneumonia already described. Simple, non-infec- 
tious pneumonia is usually caused by cold, damp or chill. 
It often takes a favorable turn in 10 days, but death may 
result in 5, 10, or 14 days. 

Symptoms. — Onset usually sudden and characterized 
by shivering fits; respirations increase from 16 (about 
the average normal number) to 40 or 70; pulse 70 to 
100 (the normal pulse being 40 to 50) ; temperature is 
raised several degrees (the normal or natural number be- 
ing from 101.5 to 102. °5) ; febrile symptoms very mark- 
ed ; skin dry, parched, hot; thirst marked; as a rule — 
unlike the horse — sinks to the ground ; milk stopped ; 
breathing harsh and loud — distinguished by applying ear 
to side of chest ; cough, though sometimes not marked ; 
bowels constipated ; urine scanty and high colored ; anxious 
look ; head and neck protruded ; as disease progresses, 
cough, not often frequent, becomes weak, and blood- 
stained expectoration may be thrown up, &c. 

Remedy. — Place in well ventilated box or shed. Purge 
with a fair dose of Epsom salt in a pint of warm water, 
and drench with solutions of carbonate and also acetate 
of ammonium and camphor. Digitalis is also sometimes 
useful. Apply cloths wrung out of hot water to the chest 
every hour while acute symptoms last. Then blister on 
one side with mustard and on the other, if it be also 
affected, with ointment of cantharides or a strong am- 
monia or turpentine liniment. It is customary to bleed 
in acute cases, though aconite, in 45-drop doses, is a 
good substitute for bleeding. In cases that are slaugh- 



262 THE DISEASES^ OF CATTLE. 

tered for food, aconite, for obvious reasons, must not be 
given. 

PLEURISY 

Or inflammation of the lining membrane of the chest 
and lungs, seldom occurs alone in the ox, for it is nearly 
always accompanied by pneumonia. Like pneumonia, it 
is usually caused by cold and damp, but it may result 
from injury or acute rheumatism. 

Symptoms. — Fever; pulse 60 to 70, small and firm; 
breathing : inspiration shallow and short, expiration easier 
and more prolonged, the chest being fixed as it were, the 
walls of the belly moving more, thus compensating for 
the shallow motions of the chest walls; sides of chest 
and rib spaces tender; by placing ear at side the usual 
respiratory murmur may be heard, and in addition a loud 
sound, as of leather creaking and rubbing ; dejection and 
anxiety ; eyes half closed ; head droops ; ears lop ; short, 
painful, hacking cough ; appetite diminished or lost, &c. 




Fig. 115. Tapping the chest for the dropsical stage of Pleurisy. 

In many cases the inflammation gradually subsides and 
the animal slowly recovers; but in others water accumu- 
lates in the chest and ends sooner or later in dropsy. 



REMEDY FOR PLEURISY: 263 

The symptoms change and gradually grow worse. If not 
relieved by tapping, death soon follows. 

Remedy. — No bleeding. After a laxative give a drench 
of acetate ammonium, camphor, and nitric ether every 4 
hours, with the addition of aconite in acute cases in vig- 
orous subjects. Hot cloths and blisters as above for pneu- 
monia. Stimulate with carbonate ammonium, iodide pot- 
assium, and digitalis, combined, in dram closes. Tincture 
perchloride of iron with nux vomica as tonic. Generous 
diet. 

Acute Pulmonary Congestion occasionally results 
from overwork. It is manifested by extreme difficulty in 
breathing, profuse cold sweats, cold extremities, very rapid 
and almost imperceptible pulse, rapid respirations and 
sometimes a mucous discharge, mingled with a little blood, 
from the nostrils. The ox lies down, coughs frequently 
and has a wild look. 

Bleeding from the Lungs may be due to acute pol- 
monary congestion, lung laceration, or consumption. The 
blood may flow profusely, vary in color, be mixed with 
mucus, and be discharged from both the nose and mouth. 



DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 



STOMACH STAGGERS 

Affords a good illustration of the fact that the brain 
depends for its well-being on the healthy working of the 
stomach. When the stomach is very full, the ox may be- 
come comatose, so much so perhaps as even to exhibit a 
tendency to fall down, especially if the head be elevated. 
The respirations are slow and deep, the pulse slow and 
full, and the pupils of the eyes dilated. In short, the 
symptoms may simulate those caused by narcotic poisons. 

Remedy. — Give at once a full cathartic dose, and also 
suitable stimulants. The disorder, as compared to the 
same in the horse, is rather rare and unimportant. 

DELIRIUM 

Is not to be looked upon as a disease in itself, but as 
symptomatic of different kinds of brain disorder. It is 
met with in inflammation of the brain, in certain blood 
diseases, in acute indigestion, in impaction of the oma- 
sum, and as a result of some forms of poisoning, as, for 
example, lead. 

A delirious ox has a peculiarly wild look of the eye, is 
excitable — perhaps even frantic and furious ; struggles vi- 
olently against restraint; champs and exudes a frothy 
saliva, &c. The best remedy is a bullet. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN (PHRENITIS), 

Is not common among cattle, but it is dangerous. It 
is declining in frequency. It is best distinguished from 
simple delirium perhaps by the fact that there is a man- 



REMEDY EOR PHREN1TIS. 265 

ifestation of acute febrile symptoms. Either the mem- 
branes of the brain or the cerebral substance itself may 
be first attacked. In the former case there is always 
good reason to fear the extension of this process toward 
the material of the brain. 

When the coverings of the brain are inflamed, spasms, 
pain, and delirium are shown. The ox is violent, champs 
the teeth, scrapes, stamps, paws, charges at objects which 
may be near, displays irregular movements and more or 
less extreme convulsions. Sometimes these symptoms make 
their appearance at the first onset of the attack, and the 
loss of nerve power, the dull and stupid look, the more 
or less marked paralysis, the loss of sensation, resulting 
from the extension of inflammation to the brain itself, 
come on later. 

The disorder is peculiar to hot countries and hot sea- 
sons, especially if there be a sudden change from cold to 
heat. Working oxen and the plethoric are the most lia- 
ble to it. A blow on the head, fracture of the skull, 
tumors, eating distillery refuse, and perhaps ergotized 
grasses all seem to be causes. 

Symptoms. — Besides those already mentioned, the ox 
appears sleepy or foolish ; pulse and respirations tardy ; 
eyes red and wild looking; head and horns hot; tem- 
perature increased, &c. 

Remedy. — Bleed freely; cold water to head. Purge, 
even with croton oil. Hydrocyanic acid subcutaneously. 
In many cases it is better to slaughter. 

For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

MEGRIMS, FITS, STAGGERS (EPILEPSY), 

Is peculiar to young and debilitated animals, and may 
result from lack of blood or certain forms of blood dis- 
ease. Cattle suffer from gastric vertigo (not unlike epi- 
lepsy), and they may have epilepsy, it is said, as a result 
of long sea voyages or rheumatism. The animal bellows. 



2G6 THE DISEASES OF CATTLE. 

froths at the mouth, and passes feces and urine involun- 
tarily. Usually the fits soon cease ; the ox rises and soon 
appears healthy again. Fatten and slaughter. 

APOPLEXY 

Is caused by overdistention and bursting of the blood 
vessels of the brain and the consequent pressure of the 
flowing blood on its walls, to fracture of the skull, or to 
the bursting of an abscess. In a general way the disor- 
der arises from too much blood and from overdriving and 
excitement in hot weather while in this condition. 

Symptoms. — These vary in accordance with the seat 
of the flowing blood. As a rule they are sudden and 
marked; looks dull; reels and falls suddenly; uncon- 
scious ; unable to move or feel ; blood vessels of head 
and neck very full ; heart and lungs are the only organs 
which exhibit life; pulse small and thready; breathing 
slow, loud, and labored ; body covered with cold sweat ; 
mouth open and animal breathing through it almost en- 
tirely ; eyes widely opened and rolling and staring ; pupils 
dilated ; convulsive movements may show themselves, but 
the muscles are usually soft and flaccid, &c. 

Remedy. — Bleed and purge. Strong liniment to loins 
and spine. If relief does not follow, slaughter. 

PARALYSIS 

May be due to many different causes, namely, exposure 
in low, damp pastures, pressure of the fetus on the pos- 
terior aorta or the iliac arteries which supply the hind 
limbs with blood, but which may cease after delivery ; 
poisons, lead palsy, for instance ; pressure of tumors on 
or disease of some part of the nervous system, falls, frac- 
tures, &c. (See page 51). 

Remedy. — If severe, slaughter. If not, let the animal 
lie comfortably and be frequently turned to avoid sores. 
Iodide of iron internally and ointment of biniodide of 



WATER ON THE BRAIN. 



267 



mercury may be useful. Nutritious,, laxative food. Draw 
uriue with catheter frequently. Rub and keep affected 
part warm. 

WATER ON THE BRAIN (HYDROCEPHALUS), 

Is caused by the accumulation of watery fluid either 
between or below the membranes which cover the brain. 
It usually occurs in the fetus, in which case, in order to 
deliver the fetus, the enormous head is tapped with a 




Pig. 116. Hydrocephalus. 

trocar (with long canula) or a knife. The head collapses. 
The disorder may also appear after birth. 

The same parasite that afflicts the brain of sheep may 
afflict cattle. The disorder is known as ' turnsick/ Tre- 
phining may be tried. 



268 THE DISEASES OF CATTLE. 

MILK FEVER OR PARTURIENT APOPLEXY 

May occur in three days after calving, though it is said 
to come on before calving, and even several weeks after- 
ward. It often manifests itself after an easy delivery, in 
warm weather, in plethoric subjects, in good milkers, 
and in old animals; seldom before the third calf; usu- 
ally after the fifth. A cow that once suffers is liable to 
suffer again. 

Symptoms. — Restless; raises first one hind foot then 
the other, but not disposed to walk ; if forced to do so, 
staggers ; appetite lost ; no milk ; eyes stare ; hind limbs 
give way ; falls ; eyes now bloodshot, protruded, and in- 
sensible to touch ; general loss of sensation and voluntary 
motion ; pulse full, soft, slow, but as disease progresses 
becomes faster, smaller, and finally impercei^tible ; breath- 
ing slow and after a time stertorous ; mucous membranes 
purple ; head and horns hot ; perhaps delirious ; head 
pitched about, or the animal may lapse into a state of 
coma ; bowels and urinary organs stopped ; belly swollen 
with wind, &c. 

Remedy. — Bleed. Purge with Epsom salt, 12 to 16 
oz., powdered ginger, ■£ oz., in pint warm water. Draft: 
Carbonate ammonium, 4 drams, powdered ergot, 1 oz., 
whisky or brandy, 6 oz., in pint warm water, every 4 
hours. Inject ergo tin hypodermically — 15 or 20 grains. 
Rub spine with liniment of ammonia, 1 part, compound 
liniment of camphor, 1 part. Don't use liniment of bel- 
ladonna. Apply wet pack or ice bag to head. Milk reg- 
ularly. Draw urine with catheter. Digestible, laxative 
food. 

Cows sometimes suffer with a kind of general nerv- 
ous debility during the latter period of pregnancy. They 
are unable to rise, the body is cold, the pulse weak, and 
bowels usually constipated. The disorder may persist after 
delivery. 






STRINGHALT, ETC. 269 

Remedy. — Injections for bowels; keep body warm; 
maintain strength ; stimulate and rub back. 

CerebrcrSpinal Meningitis, so-called, may follow 
calving. The cow stands and is free of coma. The bow- 
els may be only slightly deranged, or there may be a 
fetid diarrhea. The patient may die of apoplexy in 4 or 
5 days, or may gradually recover. 

Softening of the Spinal Cord (myelitis) is not fre- 
quent in the ox. It usually accompanies tetanus (com- 
monly called lock-jaw). 

Stringhalt sometimes occurs. In one case, where a 
number of animals were affected, it was attributed to 
burnt ale. 



DISEASES OF THE URINARY SYSTEM. 



DIABETES 

Is rare in the ox. It is practically the same in the ox 
as in the horse. (See page G3.) 

Remedy. — Change food; nutritious diet with a fair 
quantity of water. Gentle laxative. Tincture of iodine. 
Iodide potassium in drinking water. Vegetable tonics. 

For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

ALBUMINOUS URINE (ALBUMINURIA), 

Means the presence of albumen in the urine, the mi- 
croscope revealing "spherical, e]3ithelial cells and granular 
matter." It is usually the result of cold, injuries, errors 
of diet, such as too poor or too rich food and congestion 
or inflammation of some part of the urinary tract. 

Remedy. — House well ; good, digestible food. Mustard 
to loins sometimes beneficial. Cupping over loins in acute 
inflammation of kidneys. Purges and injections if neces- 
sary. Digitalis, if ordered by surgeon. 

RED WATER, BLACK WATER, BLOODY URINE, 
MUIR ILL, &c, 

Are different names for a disease characterized by the 
emission of red-chocolate or black urine, containing albu- 
men and the coloring matter of the blood in. a broken or 
disintegrated condition. 

The disease is divided into two kinds— parturient and 
non-parturient. The former occurs eight or ten days af- 
ter calving. It is believed to be caused by "a special 
coccus" (mite), having "a diameter of about half a mil- 



REMEDIES FOR RED WATER AND NEPHRITIS. 271 

limeter," but it is also attributed to impoverished pastures, 
heathy moors, overfeeding on turnips, &c. 

Symptoms. — Great prostration; febrile excitement; 
palpitation of heart ; double, trembling pulse ; pallor of 
mucous membranes; diarrhea followed by obstinate con- 
stipation. 

Remedy. — Change diet; restrict supply of roots. Sa- 
line purge ; stomachics and bitters. Iron salts, turpen- 
tine, ammonia chloride. For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS (NEPHRI- 
TIS), 

Is rare and seems to be confined to working oxen. It 
may be caused by irritating diuretics, injuries, calculus 
concretions, &c. (See page 115). 




Nephritis. 



Remedy. — Tincture aconite (V. P.), 40 drops, solution 
acetate ammonium, 4 oz., water in proportion, 3 times a 
day. Warm injections and purges at outset. Sheep skin 
or other covering over loins. Bleed if necessary. 

Congestion of the Kidneys results from interfer- 
ence with the heart's action or the pulmonary circulation, 
from which fact it derives its importance. 



2TZ THE DISEASES OF CATTLE. 

Uraemia is the more or less complete cessation of the 
excretion of the waste products of the body which the 
kidneys ought to separate from the blood. (Gresswell.) 

It is a serious disease, as the function ordinarily per- 
formed by the kidneys devolves on the skin, bowels, and 
liver. The blood contains an excess of waste products. 
The disease follows inflammation of the kidneys. 

SUPPRESSION OF URINE 

May be complete, though rarely, owing to acute in- 
flammation of the kidneys. It is often partly suppressed 
in acute febrile diseases. In certain febrile states there 
may be a deficient secretion of urine, and what is passed 
will probably be of high specific gravity. The disorder 
occurs in draft oxen, in dry countries, and in cattle kept 
on dry pastures in hot, dry weather. Working oxen, fed 
on dry food, should have about seven gallons of water 
daily. Those at pasture should be well supplied also. 

RETENTION OF URINE 

May arise from obstruction or lack of expulsive power, 
as in paralysis. As a rule the ox is very irritable ; lashes 
tail; lifts hind limbs; lies down often perhaps; tries to 
pass water ; looks at flanks. Sometimes, however, the 
bladder may burst without manifestation of much pain. 
Pass catheter and treat according to circumstances. 

The name dysuria is given to the painful expulsion of 
urine, and strangury to its passage drop by drop, as in 
spasm or inflammation of the neck of the bladder. 

A previous condition of the urachus (canal) may cause 
constant dribbling of urine through the navel. Ligature 
or stitch. It is most frequent in prematurely born calves. 



BLADDER DISORDERS. 273 

INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER (CYSTITIS), 

Is rare. It may arise from the use of cantharides or 
injuries. The whole bladder or its neck only may be im- 
plicated. There is retention of urine, which, when drawn 
off with a catheter, is found to contain albumen. 




Fig. 118. Cystitis. 

Remedy. — Give plenty of watery gruel and nothing 
else, and apply warm or cold water to the abdomen. In- 
ject an infusion of poppies into the bladder if it can be 
done without increasing the inflammation. 

Stones or Calculus Concretions occur in the kid- 
neys, bladder, urethra, &c, of the ox much the same as 
in the horse, and are treated, when treated at all, in a 
similar way. In serious cases slaughter is preferable to 
treatment. (See page 118.) 

Inversion of the Bladder (in the cow) may be caused 
by excessive labor pains. The organ may be returned 
after the pains have ceased, but it is usually better to 
slaughter. 

Parasites have been found in the kidneys of the ox. 



DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 



ERYTHEMA 

Consists in a bright redness, diffused generally over the 
skin, and more or less regularly exhibited. When press- 
ure is applied, this redness disappears, but is soon re- 
newed after the pressure is withdrawn. The disease is 
rarely seen for many days as a simple erythema, except 
in parts infected by parasites, for it becomes complicated 
by the formation of vesicles or even pustules, the dis- 
charge from which will mat the hair. The skin may ul- 
cerate and slough off in parts. In some cases the disease 
remains simple, the cuticle is shed, and health returns. 
In fatal cases of simple erythema, the redness is confined 
to the outer layer of the skin, the deeper part as a rule 
not being much affected. 

Simple erythema may become chronic, especially on the 
teats of cows and sheep. The skin cracks and exudes a 
thin, gelatinous fluid, which may infect the lips of the 
calf or lamb. 

Remedy.— Begin the treatment of chronic erythema 
with a laxative ; then give liquor arsenicalis, 3 drams, 
bicarbonate potassium, 1 oz., water, 1 pint, twice a day, 
after food. 

Erythema of the Udder seems to be caused by a 

constitutional specific infection, the vesicles formed con- 
taining matter which causes scarlet fever in man. When 
severe, handling the teats causes great pain. The milk 
should be drawn \jath a siphon and rejected. Eemove 
the calf and dress its mouth if affected. 



SKIN DISEASES. 275 

Remedy. — Ointment : Extract belladonna, 1 part, bo- 
ric acid, 2 parts, carbolic acid, -£ part, benzolated lard, 
13 parts. Ointment of eucalyptus or salicylic acid is also 
good. Support udder with bandage if necessary. 

Compare the above and all other skin diseases of cattle 
with those of the horse, pages 157 to 176. 

ECZEMA 

Consists in vesicles in certain parts of the skin, caus- 
ing denudation of the hair. There is much itching and 
rubbing, the latter rendering the parts raw. Luxuriant 
growths of vesicles succeed each other. If the disease be- 
comes chronic, the skin thickens and cracks, and the 
fissures may even become long, sluggish ulcers. The 




Rg. 119. Rat- tails of chronic Eczema. 

growths called rat-tails may be produced, especially on 
the legs. Even the hoofs may slough, so virulent is the 
disease. 

Remedy. — Comfortable quarters ; give a laxative ; dress 
parts with a lead and morphia (morphine) preparation. 
Good food ; cleanliness. 



276 THE DISEASES OF CATTLE. 

ERYSIPELAS 

Affects the whole thickness of the skin, sometimes in- 
volving the subcutaneous tissue also. Pain ami febrile 
symptoms are exhibited. It is caused by injuries, strong 
external applications, burns, scalds, &c. The skin is very 
red, which does not disappear on pressure. The inflam- 
mation may disappear or it may end in ulceration, mor- 
tification, or gangrene. 

Remedy. — Draft : Tincture perchloride of iron, H 
oz., spirit chloroform, \ oz., water in proportion, every 4 
hours; or, tincture aconite (V. P.), 40 drops, chlorate 
potassium, 3 drams, water in proportion, every G hours. 

HERPES CIRCINATUS 

Consists in vesicles similar to those of eczema, which 
arrange themselves in a gradually widening ring or rings. 





Fig. 120. Vesicles forming. Fig. 121. Appearance after Vehi- 

cles have burst or evaporated. 

The vesicles burst, the fluid drying and forming scabs in 
eight or nine days. The redness of the skin beneath 
gradually dies away. 

For remedy, see page 1G2. 

SORE LIPS (IMPETIGO LABIALIS), 

Occur in calves, lambs, goats, and pigs. Sometimes the 
face and lips of older animals at grass arc affected. In 
calves the upper lip suffers especially, the eruptions ex- 






SKIN" DISEASES. 



277 



tending to the membranes of the mouth and nostrils. 
The disease may possibly be caused by the richness of 
the milk or by acrid plants. 

Change diet. Apply suitable ointment. A purge may 
be useful. 

NETTLE-RASH (URTICARIA), 

Consists in numerous eruptions, averaging about two 
and a half inches in diameter. There is great itching, 
some increase of temperature, but little or no tenderness 
or fever. The hair is shed in a few days, leaving bald 
patches. The eruptions appear suddenly, and usually dis- 
appear in about twelve days. Cattle that have been badly 
kept in the winter and have become rapidly plethoric are 
most liable to the disease in summer. 




Pig. 122. Nettle-Rash in the horse, the same as in the ox. 

Remedy. — Strong saline purge. Paint patches with 
lotion of glycerine, carbonate of sodium, and laudanum. 
Sulphur and bicarbonate of potassium in food. Cleanli- 
ness, comfort. 

Praft : Bicarbonate potassium, -J oz., bicarbonate sodi- 



278 THE DISEASES OF CATTLE. 

um, ^ oz., nitrate potassium, ■£ oz., water in proportion, 
twice daily. 

PRURIGO 

Is sometimes called ' spring-lice/ It is especially com- 
mon in the spring. Pimples appear on the body and legs, 
crusts form, which, with the hair, are shed. Coat stares. 

Treat as for nettle-rash. 

ELEPHANTIASIS 

Is said to be "a blood disease, probably originating in 
an animal poison, and manifesting its existence either by 
the deposition of a peculiar albuminous substance in the 
skin, mucous membrane, and other surface tissues of the 
body, or by affecting chiefly the nervous centers and the 
nerves. This double mode of manifestation of the disease 




Fig. 123. Elephantiasis. 

has caused its division into two kinds — tubercular and 
anaesthetic." "Both forms are chronic in their course, 
commencing insidiously, progressing slowly, and lasting 
for years, sometimes terminating in spontaneous cure and 
sometimes in death." (Erasmus Wilson.) 

For further information and remedies, see page 164. 



SKIN DISEASES. 



279 



ECTHYMA, 

Which consists of large, prominent, well-defined, and 
isolated pustules, is rare. The pustules burst, produce a 
dark -colored scab, which, when shed, leaves a brown stain. 



'■■: 



b-:-j 



Fig. 124 Ecthyma. 

The disease is liable to be mistaken for small-pox. Treat 
as for nettle-rash. 

PEMPHIGUS 

Consists in watery bladders, which appear in all parts 
of the body. In severe cases the bladders may contain 
pus and blood. They differ in size. Some are as large 
as a hen's egg. They usually appear and disappear rap- 
idly, sometimes in a few hours. The chronic form, how- 
ever, may last for months. The bladders burst, or possi- 
bly dry up without bursting. Scabs form, which, when 
shed, reveal a red spot. 

Remedy. — Open bladders. Gentle purge , then alka- 
lies. Apply astringent powders, such as starch or the 
oxide of zinc ointment. 

Boils (Furunculus) are caused by intense localized 
inflammation, involving the subcutaneous areolar tissue 
and leading to death of a part of the structure, which 
is expelled as the 'core/ Poultices and fomentations, as 
in man. Ordinary boils may be left to nature. 



280 THE DISEASES OF CATTLE. 

Carbuncles differ from boils mainly in the large 
amount of tissue which dies. Remove dead tissue with 
knife. Antiseptic dressings. Tonics if necessary. For 
lists of antiseptics and tonics, see pages 31 and 37 respec- 
tively. 

Scurf (Pityriasis), is most frequent in young animals. 
Mild sedative ointment. Change diet. 

Naevus means a slight tumor composed of blood ves- 
sels. There is usually some enlargement of the superfi- 
cial layer of the skin. 

Warts or Angle Beries may be removed with the 
knife, ligature, or ecraseur. Stop bleeding, if necessary, 
with hot iron. Some warts are as large as apples. 

Baldness (Alopecia), may sometimes be cured by mild 
but repeated stimulation with tincture of cantharides. 

Dropsy (Anasarca), of the subcutaneous tissue of the 
lower part of the body is not very rare. Careful nurs- 
ing ; hand rubbing ; small doses of digitalis. 

Emphysema (Inflation), is caused by the escape of 

gases, resulting from decomposition, into the subcutane- 
ous areolar tissue, as may be seen in some cases of black 
quarter. Careful feeding. Give stimulant. Rub surface. 
Make incisions through skin if necessary. Usually there 
is marked debility. 



PARASITIC SKIN DISEASES. 



MANGE 

Is caused by a minute acarus, peculiar to cattle, which 
burrows itself iu the skiu. It usually first appears on the 




Fig. 125. The mite or acarus known as Dermatodectes bovis. Magnified. 

withers and the root of the tail, whence it spreads. The 
parasite may sometimes be seen in the removed scurf with 



282 THE DISEASES OF CATTLE. 

the naked eye. If it cannot, use the microscope to be 
sure as to the exact cause of the trouble. The hair of a 
mangy ox comes off here and there, and the removal of 
the dry scales reveals small, raw pimples, which dis- 
charge a yellowish, watery fluid. In chronic cases the 
skin becomes thick and folded. The disorder is peculiar 
to badly kept and debilitated animals. 




Fig. 126. The mite or aearus known as Symbiotes Bovis. Magnified. 



Remedy.— 1. Sulphur, 1 oz., lard, 1 oz. 2. Oil of 
stavesacre, 1 dram, lard, 1 oz. Either of these, or com- 
bine the two with 20 grains of white precipitate of mer- 
cury. Wash with carbolic acid soap and water before ap- 



PAKASITIC SKIN" DISEASES. 



283 



plying ointment. Use ointment every other day till cured. 
Separate affected animals. Disinfect premises. 




Fig. 12?. A piece of mangy skin. 

RINGWORM 

Is caused by two kinds of fungus. A number of round, 
scabby patches appear, usually about the head and eyes, 
giving the animal a hideous look. The rings may unite 
and form large patches. If the scabs are peeled off, a 
raw surface is exposed, whence a yellowish fluid exudes, 
by the drying of which the scabs are formed. The dis- 
ease is contagious. 




Fig. 128. Ringworm. Fig. 129. Another specimen same. 

Remedy. — Ointment of iodine, or ointment of acid 



284 THE DISEASES OF CATTLE. 

nitrate of mercury, or oleate of copper, 1 part, lard 5 
parts. Lotions : 1. Sulphurous acid, 1 dram, glycerine, 
3 drams. 2. Perchloride of mercury, 1 part, water, 500 
parts. 3. Vinegar of cantharides. 

LICE 

May be killed with white precipitate of mercury, 1 part, 
lard, 12 parts; or, stavesacre seed, £ oz., soft soap, 2 oz., 
the bruised seed being boiled with the soap in a pint and 
a half of water till only one pint remains. Tobacco in- 
fusion is also good. 



BOT-FLIES, GAD-FLIES, FOUNDER, AC. 



THE WARBLE OR BOT-FLY 

Is about a half an inch in length and somewhat re- 
sembles the bumble-bee. It causes great annoyance. In 
summer cattle of all ages may be seen galloping furiously 
about their pastures, tails uplifted, in a state of great 
excitement. Shortly they stop, look around suspiciously, 
listen to the buzzing insects, utter a wail, and are off 
again. 

The female lays its eggs on the back of the ox during 
the latter part of May, and from that time on till the 





Fig. 130. Warble or Bot-fly 
(CEstrus Bovis). 



Fig. 131. Pupa (chrysalis state) 
of same. 



first part of August. In December the lumps enlarge, 
and by spring become about the size of small walnuts. 
In May the full-grown warble emerges, remaining in 
chrysalis state till about the middle of June. 

Remedy. — The ointment of mercury will destroy the 
parasite, a portion the size of a pea being enough. 

It is desirable that cattle should shelter themselves in 
sheds. Shallow pools are also serviceable. It is said that 
the bot-fly will not pursue its victim over water. (Gress- 
well.) 



286 THE DISEASES OF CATTLE. 

THE GAD-FLY 

Is very different from the warble-fly. It pierces the 
skin, sucks the blood and causes great pain. (Gresswell.) 

Remedy. — Eub with a mixture of 4 oz. of flowers of 
sulphur, 1 gill spirit of tar, and 1 quart of train oil ; or 
a mixture of spirit of tar, linseed oil, sulphur, and car- 
bolic acid. 

FOUL IN THE FOOT 

Is usually caused by dampness and is greatly aggrava- 
ted by dirt and cold. It may, however, be caused by 
injuries to the hoof or surrounding parts. Fetid dis- 
charges often issue from the cleft of the hoof. Parts of 
the hoof may come off, leaving an exposed, bleeding sur- 
face, which may suppurate and even ulcerate. Fungoid 
granulations may arise and involve the foot and heel. 
The fetlock may swell and the general health be affected. 
The horn, if growing irregularly, may split, or it may 
cause rupture of internal tissues. 

Remedy. — Care and cleanliness; place on level floor, 
with slight backward slope of course. Pare diseased horn 
and apply linseed poultice. Purge if necessary. Apply 
any of these ointments : 

1. Carbolic acid, 4 drams, lard, 4 oz. 

2. Boric acid. 1 part, lard, 7 parts. 

3. Sulphate of copper, finely powdered, 1 part, alum, 
finely powdered, 1 part. 

4. Nitrate of copper, 1 part, tar, 6 parts. 

"Wrap hoof with antiseptic tow or lint. For a list of 
antiseptics, see page 31. 

FOUNDER 

Is uncommon, nor is it of much importance in the ox. 
Purge ; rest ; cold water applications ; salines. 

Loss of a hoof may arise from other causes than foul 
or founder (laminitis), as, for example, catching the foot 



DISEASES OF EYES, WOUNDS, FRACTURES, ETC. Si87 

in a stage-plank in shipping, unshipping, &c. If time is 
allowed, a fairly perfect hoof will form. 

Cattle are sometimes afflicted with fluke or liver worms. 
The latter are from 50 to 100 feet long. 

Cattle and sheep have practically the same diseases of 
the eyes as horses, which see (pages 136 to 141). Ordi- 
nary cases may be treated to advantage, but in severe 
cases it is better to fatten and slaughter. 

The same may be said of wounds, fractures, sprains, 
tumors, &c. The bleeding that usually follows broken 
horns may be stopped by pressure or the actual cautery. 
Bind a tarred cloth over the orifice. 



TEETH, GARGET, ABORTION, ETC. 



TEETH. 

The eruption or cutting of the permanent or second 
set of molar teeth is occasionally a matter of some diffi- 




Fig. 132. Teeth of the ox. 1. Upper — a, from below; h. from side. 2. 
Lower — a, from above ; b, from side. 

culty, owing to the unshed crowns of the temporary .or 
first set of teeth becoming entangled with the new teeth. 



THE IMPORTANCE OE DENTISTRY. 



2S0 



This causes irritation and prevents the animal from feed- 
ing. In some parts of the country such animals are called 
" rotten," from their emaciated condition, and perhaps 
from the fetor emanating from the mouth. When cattle 
at two years and six months, or about that time, stop 




Fig. 133. Incisors of the ox. a, crown. &, root, c, neck. / cutting 
margin, g, inner edge. A, superior surface. B, inferior surface. 

feeding, lose condition, or drivel from the mouth, the 
teeth should be examined, and if the unshed molars are 
causing irritation, they should be removed with the for- 
ceps. Hundreds of young cattle have been sacrificed from 
this cause — actually dying of starvation. (Williams.) 

GARGET (MAMMITIS), 

Or inflammation of the udder, may occur shortly or 
some time after calving. It is often difficult to treat. 
The whole udder or one or two only of its four quarters 
may be affected ; usually the latter. There is heat, swell- 
ing, redness, and pain, and sometimes febrile symptoms. 
If properly treated, the disease subsides, but severe cases 
may end in exudation, suppuration, or abscess. A large 
part of the gland may become indurated and suffer a per- 
manent loss of secreting power. There may be lameness 



290 THE DISEASES OF CATTLE. 

in one hind leg; pulse quick and hard; chewing cud 
may be suspended, appetite lost, &c. 

The disorder may be caused by blows, scratches, or other 
injuries, and perhaps from plethora at the time of calv- 
ing. Heifers are especially liable to the disorder, and the 
heat of summer is said to be an exciting cause. 

Remedy. — Bleed and purge if necessary. Foment ud- 
der with warm water; apply linseed poultice containing 
2 to 4 drams of extract of belladonna. Milk regularly. 
Draft : Bicarbonate potassium, 1 oz., tincture aconite, 40 
drops, water in proportion; or, nitrate potassium, 1 oz., 
tincture aconite, 40 drops, water in proportion, every 4 
hours, and then 3 times daily as long as the temperature 
remains high. 

For chronic hardening inject bicarbonate of potassium, 
1 dram, water, 1 oz. Rub with acetic liniment. Draft : 
Bicarbonate potassium, 1 oz., iodide potassium, 2 drams, 
water in proportion, twice daily. 

Sore and Obstructed Teats are caused by minute 
tumors and milk stones in the canal of the teat. Pass a 
silver or other probe. A clean, oiled knitting needle 
will answer. Warts about the end of the teats should be 
removed by ligature. Sore or chapped teats are best 
treated with ointment of turpentine. 

ABORTION 

Is liable to occur frequently and at almost any period 
of pregnancy. It is sometimes epizootic. It has many 
causes, such as all kinds of unsanitary conditions, me- 
chanical injuries, overdriving, innutritions and badly pre- 
pared food, ergotized grain and poisonous plants, con- 
sumption, sympathy (the sympathy of a well cow with an 
aborted cow), malformations, blood and other diseases, 
close in-and-in-breeding, the prolonged use of one bull in 
a herd, &c. A cow that has once aborted is liable to 



ABORTION AND RETAINED PLACENTA REMEDIES. 291 

abort again. Such had better be fattened and killed for 
food. 

Remedy.— Isolate aborted animals; burn, disinfect, or 
deeply bury fetus and placenta. Disinfect and cleanse 
premises. Irrigate uterus, vagina, tail, &c, with an ef- 
fectual germicide, such as corrosive, sublimate, 1 part, 
common salt, 40 parts, clean rain water, 4,000 parts; or, 
mercuric iodide and potassium iodide, 1 part each, water, 
1,000 parts. Use these injections to prevent abortion in 
cows that have been herded with the aborted. Prevent 
use of bull with balanitis (inflammation of mucous mem- 
brane of penis). Gentle laxative; quiet; tonics. 

RETENTION OF THE PLACENTA (THE AFTER- 
BIRTH), 

Often follows abortion, but it also follows an otherwise 
natural delivery. It may be caused by weakness or con- 
traction of the uterus. Decomposition of the placenta 
causes blood poisoning and death. 

Remedy. — Epsom salt, 16 oz., carbonate ammonium, 
4 drams, in 2 pints warm water, repeated next day if 
necessary. Traction (or attraction) may be applied by 
the medium of the protruding part of the cord, the ef- 
forts made coinciding with the labor pains; or the pro- 
jecting parts may be rolled round two sticks. If this 
does not suffice, introduce the hand gently and detach 
the placental lobes. After removal, wash uterus with 
chlorinated lime. Gentle laxative if necessary and plenty 
of good gruel. Brandy, spirit of niter, &c, if necessary. 

Inversion of the Bladder is not frequent in cows, 
but it is usually fatal. The bladder has the appearance 
of a tumor. The end of the canals which convey the 
urine from the kidneys to the bladder may be seen on 
either side ; also the escaping urine. In the early stage 
return is not difficult. If it cannot be returned, slaughter. 



292 THE DISEASES OF CATTLE. 

Inversion of the Vagina usually occurs in the de- 
bilitated and before birth. Bathe with cold water, re- 
turn part, and use truss till birth-time. Good food. 

Inversion of the Uterus is common. Cleanse of 
dung, straw, &c, and then detach the afterbirth. Place 
on clean cloth, with a man supporting on each side. 
Gentle and increasing pressure on neck of uterus- then 
apply fist to lower part. 




Fig. 134. Truss for Inversion of Uterus (prolapsus uteri). 

It may be necessary to cast and place cow on back, the 
hind parts being somewhat elevated with straw. After 
return, apply a truss. Give opium if required. In some 
cases it may be necessary to ligature the neck of the 
uterus and cut off the remainder. This operation — am- 
putation of the uterus — is of somewhat common occur- 
rence. 

Dropsy of the Uterus is not uncommon. The cow 
looks as if in calf, so distended is the womb with water. 
The closed mouth of the uterus may be dilated with the 
finger. 



NATURAL BIRTHS, TWINS, ETC. 293 

Malformation of the Uterus is seen in hermaphro- 
dite heifers, which are generally sterile. 

In a natural birth the fore feet appear first, the head, 
resting on the fore legs, next. There are many "false 
presentations," besides which the head of the fetus may 
he enlarged by water on the brain, or its abdomen may 
be enlarged by dropsy. Such cases require surgical skill. 

Twins are somewhat frequent. When one has been 
removed, look for another. They usually lie in reverse 
positions, one being presented in the natural way, the 
other with its hind legs first. Twins are usually small, 
and are therefore delivered without much difficulty. They 
are apt to become fixed together in the genital passages. 
In such cases, the state of affairs having been ascertained, 
the fore legs of the naturally presented calf are to be 
secured with ropes. These being kept tight, the other 
calf is forced back into the uterus. The first can then 
be removed in the natural way. The second will usually 
follow. 

Obstructions in the Teats are not rare. In milk- 
ing the animal, they can be felt as knots along the course 
of the duct, and the flow will be more or less impeded. 
These are masses of curdled milk, small tumors attached 
by pedicles to the mucous membrane, or 'lacteal calculi/ 
They must be removed, as they tend to produce mammi- 
tis (inflammation of the mammary or milk glands). This 
is not always an easy matter. When not removed, they 
may be returnable to the contiguous sinuses (cavities), 
where they will often remain without causing incon- 
venience. 




Fig. 135. The ox prepared for casting. 



PART III, 



THE DISEASES OF SHEEP. 



The diseases of sheep, says Walley, are usually caused 
by an altered condition of the blood, namely, deficiency 
in quantity, excess of normal elements, impoverishment 
and degradation, depraved condition, &c. In-breeding is 
a predisposing cause of disease. The rams should be 
changed every year or two. Fatigue, clipping, and ex- 
posure to cold wind (sufficient to cause a chill) induce 
congestion of the lungs. Sheep can stand almost any 
degree of cold alone, but they cannot stand cold and wet 
combined. This is especially true of lambs. Cold and 
moisture arrest the secretion of the yolk or greasy matter 
exuded by the skin, rendering the wool dry and harsh 
instead of greasy. 

Avoid overfeeding and sudden changes of food and 
management. Also the procreative exhaustion of the 
rams and the excessive excitement of the ewes. Also 
filthy, decaying, moldy, or frosted (frozen) food and im- 
pure water. Also overforcing the fattening process, es- 
pecially with such foods as Waterloo cake, cotton cake, 
turnips, and swedes. 

The sheep, like the ox, has four stomachs. The fourth 
is the true digestive stomach. This complicated digestive 



296 THE DISEASES OF SHEEP. 

apparatus should be aided, when necessary, by health- 
giving foods, such as oats (crushed preferred), bran, 
crushed linseed, and ground malt. Corn, beaus, peas, 
and wheat are good when given in their proper place and 
quantity. Also thousand headed or other cabbage. Mut- 
ton grown on ling and heather is sweeter and more sat- 
isfying than that of trough or manger- fed sheep. Tur- 
nips and swedes alone are very bad, especially when filthy. 
They produce flesh but no blood. 

" I have seen sheep, especially lambing ewes, that have 
been fed ad libitum on swedes, without any complemen- 
tary food, die in dozens, their carcasses laden with fat, 
but not a teacupful of blood in the veins of any of them. 
In the case of breeding ewes, I have seen the recently 
born lambs the subjects of internal dropsies. Again, I 
have seen ewes fed in the same way, on swedes which 
have been forced with artificial manures, especially phos- 
phatic manure, die in dozens from milk fever (so called in 
some districts), while their lambs have succumbed to joint- 
ill. Prof. Kobertson says he has, by way of experiment, 
produced these diseases at will." (Walley.) 

THRUSH OR APHTHA 

Has a benign as well as a malignant form. The benign 
form usually attacks lambs, and the malignant may be 
communicated to them by the milk. Both forms are at- 
tributed to a fungus, the benign to that known as ' oidi- 
um albicans/ The benign is short-lived. It is character- 
ized by a whitish, furred eruption in the mouth, with a 
little fever and diarrhea. 

The malignant form not only has eruptions in the 
mouth, but also on the lips and about the body, with 
bleeding ulceration, diarrhea, or dysentery, and even pu- 
trefactive fever and abscesses about the head and lungs, 
constituting pyaemia (purulent contamination of the blood). 

Remedy. — Alum, borax, sulphurous ;icid, chlorine, or 



ERYTHEMA, ECZEMA, CARBUNCLE. 297 

potassium chlorate solutions locally. Electuaries (confec- 
tions) of oxymel, glycerine, and water, and glyceride of 
starch. Laxatives, salines, hydrargyrum cum creta for 
gastric disorder. Tonics. Soft, digestible food. 
For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

ERYTHEMA 

Is described on pages 157 and 274. If the lambs are 
allowed to suck, protect the _ teats with a gutta-percha 
shield ; otherwise they may become very sore. If they 
do become sore, place the ewes on a scanty pasture apart 
from the lambs. Bub the teats with boric or salicylic 
acid ointment night and morning. Cleanse first if nec- 
essary. 

ECZEMA OF THE LIPS 

Is usually attributed to the irritation of fine particles 
of sand or gravel, aggravated by long-continued wet, but 
in some instances it may be caused by indigestion or 
stomach irritation, and probably the irritating action of 
pollen grain. It is a mild affection, consisting of crops 
of small bladders on the lips, with some local inflamma- 
tion and slight fever. If neglected and its cause be nn- 
removed, serious results may follow. The lips become 
greatly swollen, misshaped, and tender, the skin chapped 
and ulcerated. Small abscesses form along the side of the 
face and in the lungs, followed by suppuration of the 
neck glands. Flesh useless. 

Remedy. — Change the pasture, give a little laxative 
medicine, and smear some protective agent, such as car- 
bolized lard, over the lips. 

CARBUNCLE 

Is less frequent than eczema, but is common in lambs, 
especially during the autumn months. It is often called 
'hair and hoof and < orfV Like eczema, it is usually of 
a mild character. If neglected, it may lead to 



298 THE DISEASES OF SHEEP. 

seated inflammation, ultimately causing death by exhaus- 
tion or blood poisoning. Its cause is not known, but it 
may be due to a depraved condition of the blood, as the 
result of injudicious management, to irritation of the 
stomach and bowels, to a microscopic parasite acting lo- 
cally, or to a parasitic product, such as ergot, acting sys- 
temically. 

The disease first appears as a painful, circumscribed 
swelling on the coronet or lip, or both. Ulceration of 
the skin results, and an angry looking sore, associated 
with considerable thickening of the surrounding tissues, 
is formed. If properly treated, this sore quickly heals, 
but if irritated by dirt or otherwise, it takes on unhealthy 
action, spreads, and becomes very intractable. Treat as 
for eczema. 

ECTHYMA, 

Consisting of small, pointed, pustular eruptions, occurs 
often in the summer time. It causes very little general 
disturbance, and is of little importance except for the 




Fig. 136. Ecthyma. Compare with figures 137, 138 (opposite page.) 

fact that it may possibly be mistaken for sheep-pox, a 
very serious disease. The pustules dry up without leav- 
ing a scar. The disease is sometimes called acne. 

See pages 163, 279 for further information concerning 
this disease. 



FORMS AND STAGES OF SHEEP-POX. 



299 



SHEEP-POX (VARIOLA OVIN/E), 

Is a contagious, infectious, and eruptive disease, anal- 
ogous to small-pox and cow-pox ; said to depend on a 



Fig. 13?. 




-pox. a, the eruptive stage. &, the pustular 



Fig. 138. The Confluent Form (union of two or more pustules). 

microbe ; runs a definite course, and as a rule occurs but 
once. 



300 THE DISEASES OF SHEEP. 

There is both a benign and a malignant form. The 
malignant form never produces vesicles; the sheep lose 
their eyes ; the wool falls off ; the skin cracks in a zig- 
zag manner, and the nostrils become filled with a fetid 
discharge. In the benign form genuine vesicles appear, 
which, after the scabs fall, leave pits in the skin, on 
which the wool never grows again. 

According to Prof. Simonds, the disease is not com- 
municable to the cow or to children. Saccho, however, 
says that ' ovination ' is protective against small-pox. 

Symptoms. — In 36 to 48 hours temperature rises to 
105°, or even 107 or 108° ; skin dotted with bright red 
pimples; eyes bloodshot, and in severe cases the lids are 
swollen and tears trickle down the face ; breathing quick 
and short; mucous discharge from nostrils, &c. 

Remedy. — Isolate healthy and watch them. Good 
nursing. Gentle aperients ; salines. Tonics; stimulants; 
nutritive, digestible food for convalescents. Inoculation 
of healthy sheep produces a rather severe and contagious 
form of the disease. 

MALIGNANT CATARRH 

Is often very destructive to hill sheep, especially in bad 
seasons. It is very intractable. Beginning apparently as 
a simple cold, it is soon followed by destructive inflam- 
mation and ulceration of the lining of the nostrils; these 
in turn by abscesses in the glands of the face and throat ; 
also in the lungs, and, if the animal lives long enough, 
by wasting and diarrhea. The disease is probably caused 
by a micrococcus. (Walley.) 

Sheep sometimes suffer from simple catarrh, laryngitis, 
and bronchitis. (See pages 70. 82, 258 &c.) Verminous 
bronchitis is caused by worms in the air tubes. (See 
husk.) 



A MANGE PARASITE. 301 

MANGE, SCABIES, OR SCAB 

Is caused by a parasite (Psoroptes ovis). The parasites 
cause great irritation and itching. Sheep will rub them- 
against anything. To make sure as to the para- 




Fig. 139. The mite or acarus known as Dermatodeetes ovis. Magnified. 

sites, remove a little scurf and examine with a pocket 
lens or microscope. If neglected the parasites will spread 
to a whole flock and cause great loss. 

Remedy. — Dress with corrosive sublimate, 1 part, com- 
mon salt, 8 parts, water, 500 parts. Decoction of tobac- 
co, 1 part, water, 40 parts. Stavesacre decoction — 1 part 



802 



THE DISEASES OF SHEEP. 



to 40 of water — with half of which shake up when using 
1 part each of wood tar oil and potassium carbonate. Any 
of the foregoing, or sulphur, 1 oz., lard, 1 oz. 




Fi<r. 140. The mite or acarus known as Sarcoptes ovis, from beneath. 
Magnified. Compare with Fig. 141, opposite page. 

In all bad cases the sheep should be bare shorn and 
the affected parts well soaked with potash lye before the 
insecticide is applied. Isolate affected sheep and wash 



Another mange parasite. 



203 



racks, rubbing posts, &c, with corrosive sublimate solu- 
tion. 




Fig. 141. Same from above. 

FOOT-ROT 

Is inflammation and ulceration affecting various struc- 
tures of the foot, and is frequently contagious. (1) Abra- 
sion of horn ; inflammation of secreting surfaces of sole 
or walls, beginning below and extending upward. (2) In- 
flammation of interdigital structures, with burrowing of 
discharges under the horn of inner walls of digits, be- 
ginning above and extending downward. The latter is 
the more contagious form. 



304 THE DISEASES OF SHEEP. 

Williams says the disease is not contagious. 
Remedy. — Remove diseased lioni and any irritating 
foreign bodies. Dress with mercuric nitrate solution, zinc 



Fig. 142. Confirmed stage of the first form of Foot-Rot. 



Fig. 143. The condition of the internal wall of the digit in an early 
stage of the disease. 

chloride, carbolic acid, tar oils, or silver nitrate, the 
strength of the dressings being regulated according to 
circumstances. Gutta-percha varnish may be sometimes 
usefully applied over dressing. Walk sheep through wood- 



THE DEADLY FLUKE WORM. 



305 



en trough, containing 1 lb. each of arsenic and sodium 
carbonate and 50 gallons of water ; or, 1 part copper sul- 
phate to 50 parts of water. Avoid beans and other forc- 
ing food. Transfer flock to dry, upland pastures. 





F'g. 144. Foot four weeks after first or 
febrile stage. 



Fig. 145. Bandage for 
Foot-Rot. 



ROT OR FLUKE DISEASE 

Is caused by a flat worm known as the fluke (Distoma 
hepaticum or Fasciola hepaticum), which inhabits the 
bile ducts of the liver, causing extensive inflammation, 
from which result various organic changes, such as har- 
dening and softening, leading in the end to destruction 
of its function and, as a result, wasting, lack of blood, 
dropsy, diarrhea, and death from exhaustion. When cold 
nights follow warm days, many die from congestion of 
the lungs as the result of chill. 

The worm is seldom more than an inch in length. It 
is bisexual (hermaphrodite), and is propagated by eggs, 
which are passed out with the bile and the dung in 



30G THE DISEASES OF SHEEP. 

countless numbers, often lodging on the grass. If they 
fall on dry soil, they are harmless ; if on wet soil, the 
disease is propagated to other sheep. The egg is oval in 
shape, has a lid at one extremity, and contains an em- 
bryo which, when matured, is provided with delicate, 
hair-like processes known as cilia. The lid is lifted, al- 
lowing the embryo to escape. The latter at once begins 
to search for a particular snail (the Limnus truncatulus), 
whose body it penetrates by the aid of a boring appara- 
tus. It undergoes a series of wonderful changes in form, 
passing through several generations, until a tadpole-like 
creature is produced. Emerging, it encysts itself in the 
lower part of the blades of grass, from whence sheep pick 
it up in grazing. 

Sheep are more susceptible to rot than other animals 
simply because they bite closer. A hog-mouthed sheep 
escapes ; but many cattle and sometimes, in wet seasons, 
colts also suffer. 

Rot is never seen on dry lands, nor on salt marshes ; 
and even rotting grounds are safe after a frost. 

Prevention. — Drain, and thereby kill the snails; salt 
the pastures, and thereby kill both the snails and embryo 
worms; slaughter sheep, mixing their excrements with 
lime or salt; destroy the liver, intestines, &c, totally. 
Isolate sound sheep. 

The disease can be detected early by the sheep thriv- 
ing very rapidly and by the yellow tinge of the membrane 
of the eye. 

Remedy.— Concentrated, dry food. Common salt and 
ferrous sulphate dissolved in water, given daily, mixed 
with bran or crushed grain. Slaughter all marketable 
sheep. 

For closes of ' furrous sulphate ' (sulphate of iron), see 
page 21. 



REMEDY FOR DIARRHEA AND DYSENTERY. 307 

DIARRHEA 

In the lamb is caused by unwholesome milk, cold, grass 
(the sudden change from milk to grass), &c. In severe 
cases death sometimes results in 24 hours. Full-grown 
sheep also suffer, especially when the new grass comes on 
in the spring. 

Remedy. — Prepared chalk, 1 oz., powdered catechu, \ 
oz., powdered ginger, 2 drams, powdered opium, \ dram, 
peppermint water, \ pint ; 1 to 2 tablespoonfuls morning 
and night. A teaspoonful of laudanum and a tabiespoon- 
ful of rum or gin, well mixed, is good; repeated in half 
doses if needed. Also li dram alum in half pint warm 
water. 

DYSENTERY 

Usually appears in hot weather, with excess of moisture, 
on rank pastures, and on overstocked and consequently 
befouled pastures ; in dry summers on lands having 
stagnant pools of water, with rank growth of grass around 
their borders. 

The exact nature of the disease has not been deter- 
mined yet even in man, but it is believed to be caused 
by a fungus. Shepherds entertain such positive views as 
to its contagiousness as to lead them to smear tar on the 
nose. They had better smear it 071 the skin under the 
tail, or remove the sheep from the contaminated pastures 
and apply a top dressing of lime or salt. 

Remedy. — If there is any prospect of cure, give an 
ounce of castor oil with about 30 drops of laudanum in 
a little gruel ; repeat if necessary, or give an astringent 
as for diarrhea. Cleanse with warm water and carbolic 
acid soap. Dress any sores • with carbolic or salicylic acid, 
or lard mixed with a few drops of spirit of tar. Tempt 
appetite with well compounded gruel. 



308 THE DISEASES OF SHEEP. 

CARBUNCULAR FEVER (ANTHRAX), 

Is caused, says Walley, by a minute, staff-like organism, 
termed, from its shape, a bacillus, and belonging to the 
class of fission (generative) fungi. It is, on the whole, 
the largest of this class of fungi found in animals, and 
in the blood streams and tissues multiplies only by fission ; 
but when cultivated in proper media, or, what is of more 
importance to farmers, when it gains access to suitable 
soils, it multiplies rapidly by spores, which by various 
agencies find their way on to vegetables grown on such 
soils and into drinking water, and produce the disease in 
other animals that may partake of the contaminated food 
and water. 

These organisms, and particularly their spores, possess 
a wonderful vitality, and retain their destructive proper- 
ties for a very considerable period in the earth. Hence 
the necessity of utterly destroying every part of the car- 
cass, the blood, and internal organs of animals which 
have died of the disease. 

The disease is communicable to man, and is known un- 
der various designations in many parts of the world. 
There is reason to believe that it may be disseminated by 
artificial manures, and sometimes even by artificial food, 
as it often appears in situations where it has never been 
seen before. 

Anthrax, which, owing to the dark color of the local 
lesions, is compared to a burning coal, is the most deadly 
disease of its class. So-called ' red braxy ' is often noth- 
ing more or less than anthrax. 

' Black-leg ' is a disease somewhat allied to anthrax, but 
the organism that produces it is of a rather different 
character, and it is much less virulent. 

Remedy. — Free scarification of limited external swell- 
ings and introduction of antiseptics seem to arrest some 
slight cases. Intra-venous injection of virus usually in- 



WATEKY BRAIN" CYSTS. 



309 



sures immunity from attack. Setons produce a condition 
of the body less favorable to development of micro-organ- 
isms. Careful dietary. Removal from exposed, undrained, 
infected grazings. 

Compare above article with pages 225, 226. 

STURDY, GID, TURNSICK, 

Also known as turnside, goggles, vertigo, &c, is due to 
a bladder worm in the brain. It is called sturdy because 
the animal is stupid. A synonymous term in Norfolk, 
England, is ' dunt/ If the sheep turns to one side or 
round and round, it is known as turnsick, gid, &c, while, 
owing to peculiarities of gait, sheep are said to be sailors, 
trotters, or swervers. The disease is peculiar to cattle 
also. 





Fig 14*7. Cyst, showing er 
br3 r o worms in various 
es development. 



Fig. 14.6. Brain of sheep, showing hyda- 
tids or tapeworm cysts. 



The bladder worm or hydatid is the immature form of 
one of the tapeworms of the dog; possibly also the fox. 
It is known as the many-headed hydatid. Sheep become 
the victims of it by swallowing the eggs of the tapeworm 
while grazing. The embryo finds its way to the brain 
either by the circulation or by boring, and sometimes it 
gains access to the spinal cord, in the neck, and causes 
the condition known as thorter-ill. 



310 



THE DISEASES OF SHEEP. 



Prevention consists in destroying the brain instead of 
throwing it to the dogs. Keep dogs as free from tape- 
worms as possible. 




Fig. 148. Large conic Trephine on handle; small conic on right; cyl- 
indric on left. 

Remedy. — Trephine; remove by trocar. But it is 
better to kill the animal as soon as it shows symptoms 
of the disease, and make the best of it. 

HOOSE OR HUSK, 

Scientifically known as verminous bronchitis, a parasitic 
disease of lambs and calves, is caused by a round worm 
(Strongylus filarius), which when mature resembles a piece 
of white thread. The female, which is larger than the 
male, is about 1^ to 2 inches long. It inhabits the wind- 
pipe and bronchial tubes, but its embryos gain access to 
the deeper parts of the lungs, causing much irritation 
and patchy inflammation. The development of the worm 
is not understood. One thing, however, is certain — salt 
spread over the contaminated pastures is a jn-eventive. 
Drainage is also useful. Destroy the lungs instead of 
feeding them to either people or cats. Cooking, however, 
kills the worms. 



EEMEDT FOB WORMS. 311 

Many sheep suffering from hoose die from debility in- 
duced by diarrhea. Others die from suffocation, and many 
from congestion of the lungs, if exposed to a chill. Yel- 
lowish, millet-seed-like knots are found in the lungs of 
thousands of slaughtered sheep. They have often been 
mistaken for tubercle (consumption), but the microscope 
reveals the embryonic parasite in their interior. 

Remedy. — Oil of turpentine, given in oil, milk, or 
lime water; it is still more prompt and effectual Avhen 
injected into the trachea. Sulphurous or chlorine inha- 
lations ; spirit of chloroform, swallowed. Liberal, concen- 
trated dietary. Isolate healthy sheep. 

For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

ANOTHER WORM. 

Another round worm, the twisted strongyle (Strongy- 
lns contortus), is often the cause of great loss among 
sheep. It is small, resembles a piece of red thread, and 
clings, by aid of barbs, to the membrane of the fourth 
stomach. It causes inflammation, diarrhea, wasting, and 
death. It is most seen on old pasture land, where there 
is plenty of fog for cover. Hence the necessity of remov- 
ing the fog from such pastures by burning and by chain 
harrows. Top dressing with lime or salt should also be 
tried. 

Remedy. — Chabert's oil, 1 part, oil turpentine, 3 parts. 
Kamala in doses of \ to 1 dram or more, given in thick 
gruel or molasses. Potassium picrate, 2 to 10 grains daily 
in linseed mucilage. 

The only tapeworm of importance found in the sheep 
is the ' tsenia expansa.' But it is questionable if it does 
much harm. It is seldom found unassociated with other 
parasites. 



312 THE DISEASES OF SHEEP. 

JOINT-ILL (ARTHRITIS), 

Except as a purely sporadic disease, is due to a com- 
bination of two causes — (1) a depraved or impoverished 
condition of the mother's blood — nearly always, in my 
experience, brought about by injudicious management — 
whereby the milk contracts deleterious properties; (2) 
the combined effects of cold and wet. In some cases the 
actual cause is inflammation of the umbilical (navel) vein, 
as a result of which abscesses, form in the liver. Suppu- 
rative inflammation of the joints follows. The probable 
primary cause of the disease is a micrococcus. (Walley.) 

Lambs from two to five weeks old are very liable to 
the disorder. They are often stiff all over before the 
swellings appear. Sometimes they crawl on their knees. 
Sometimes they are prostrate. Usually they either die or 
become incurably lame and worthless. 

Remedy. — Keep warm and dry. Mild purges if cos- 
tive. Cordial medicine in hot gruel. Liniment : Oil of 
turpentine, 8 oz., strong solution of ammonia, 3 oz., soft 
soap, 4 oz.; digest, shake at intervals, adding water to 
make 2 epiarts in all. Bub once or twice daily. 

RHEUMATISM 

Is the same in sheep as in other animals. Treat the 
same. 

NAVEL-ILL OR NAVEL-POCKING 

Is the result (1) of a depraved condition of the moth- 
er's system ; (2) the action of poisonous germs on the 
clot of blood which is always found in the umbilical vein 
of newly born animals. If the system is healthy, no in- 
jury is caused by septic or poisonous organisms; other- 
wise the vitiated blood acts as pabulum for their devel- 
opment. Septic, sometimes erysipelatous, inflammation is 
set up, the products of which becoming absorbed, cause 
putrefactive inflammation of the joints, especially those 



TREATMENT OF NAVEL-ILL. 



313 



of the hind limbs. In some cases, however, the inflam- 
mation extends along the cellular tissue to the fore legs 
in a forward direction and to the abdomen, thighs, and 
hind legs in a backward direction, the parts soon becom- 
ing of a black or purple hue from mortification. 




Fig. 148. Navel-Ill. 

In both joint-ill and navel-ill the condition of the 
mother's blood should be improved, and the navel cord 
of the lamb should be tied with a silk or cotton ligature 
and dressed with an antiseptic lotion or liniment imme- 
diately after birth. (Walley.) 

Aperients or neutral salts, such as sulphite or the sa- 
licylate of sodium, for ewes as well as lambs. Feed ewes 
very moderately. 

LAMBING OR MILK FEVER (METRITIS), 

Is probably caused by blood poisoning, blood poisoning 
being caused by germs called micrococci. The germs 
may be communicated from ewe to ewe by means of the 
blood on the hands of shepherds' engaged in delivering 
ewes. Hence the necessity of disinfecting or washing the 
hands with 1 part of carbolic acid to 50 of water, or even 



314 THE DISEASES OF SHEEP. 

with carbolic soap ; or 3 grains permanganate of potassi- 
um to 1 oz. of water. The vagina of all infected ewes 
should also be washed, and the sick separated from the 
well. The disease is due sometimes perhaps to wounds 
and the retention and decomposition of the afterbirth. 

Remedy. — Siphon or syringe uterus with tepid water 
or antiseptic. Remove remnants of placenta or blood 
clots ; render any wounds aseptic (non-poisonous). Where 
Avails of uterus are dilated or flaccid, inject solution of 
ergot and belladonna tincture. Rugs wrung out of hot 
water over loins and abdomen. Sulpho-carbolates, sul- 
phites, hydronaphthol internally. If bowels are torpid, 
give half dose physic with ginger, gentian and molasses, 
and promote effect by laxative injections. Remove urine 
by catheter. Generous diet. Tonics, stimulants. 

For doses, see pages 13 to ^9. 

ABORTION, AFTER-PAINS, AND GARGET 

Are much the same in ewes as in cows. (See pages 
289-291.) Ewes are more easily frightened than cows, 
and they are much oftener injured in casting. They 
should not be cast when pregnant, nor be roughly used. 
They should be carefully watched about the middle period 
of gestation. (The full period of gestation is about 150 
days.) They should not be overfed and fattened just be- 
fore lambing, for this is one of the chief causes of after- 
pains. 

In garget (sore udder), 3 or 4 ounces of Epsom salt 
may be necessary, and may be repeated. Foment with 
waim water and rub with ointment, &c, as for cows. 

LOUPING-ILL OR TREMBLING, 

Says Williams, entails great loss among hill sheep every 
year. It has been described as a species of ergot intoxi- 
cation or nervous excitement. There is sometimes squint- 
ing, at other times convulsive movements of the eyes. 



SHEEP TICKS. 



315 



There are also convulsive movements of the body and 
legs, and more or less increase of fluid in the spinal cord. 
Veterinarians are not agreed as the cause of the dis- 
ease, but as good food and pure water are preventives of 
it, bad food and impure water must be predisposing causes 
of it. 




Sheep Tick. 



Louping-ill is only seen on land infested with ticks. 
Ticks are the cause of the disease. It is possible, how- 
ever, to have land infested with ticks and yet have sheep 
free of louping-ill, as all ticks do not seem to contain 
disease germs. 

Improve moors and pastures where it exists. The cure 
is uncertain, but many sheep recover. 




Fig. 150. Louping-ill or Hydro-Rachitis, 



316 



THE DISEASES OF SHEEP. 



MEASLES 

Which consists of red, irregular spots on the chest, 




Fig:. 153. Slice of roasted sirloin beef. 

a, measles divided by knife into 

nearly equal parts. 



Fig. 154. Measle or Bladder "Worm 
of beef. Magnified. 

thighs, head, and sides, is preceded by slight febrile 
symptoms, sneezing, coughing, swelling in the region of 



MEASLES TRANSMITTED BY INOCULATION. 317 

the head, discharge from the nostrils, hot mouth, dry 
skin, constipation, loss of appetite, &c. The skin has a 
peculiar odor. The red spots are hard in the center; if 
pressed, they appear white for a time. They seem to do 
good, for in about 24 hours after their appearance the 
febrile symptoms and swelling of the head subside. The 
spots become brownish in four or five days, and disap- 
pear in about five days more. The skin then peels off. 
Some symptoms of catarrh continue. In fatal cases diar- 
rhea sets in about the ninth day. 

We now know that mutton and beef as well as pork 
may become measled. These three kinds of measles are 
perfectly distinct from each other, and are derived from 
different species of tapeworm. (Williams.) 

The disease can be transmitted by inoculation. Out of 
103 animals inoculated by way of experiment, only 1 died. 

Give plenty of water and niter to lick. 

HOVEN 

Is practically the same in sheep as in cattle (page 238). 

Remedy. — Half a pint of linseed oil; if no relief fol- 
lows in 2 or 3 hours, give -J oz. aromatic spirit of am- 
monia in a pint of warm water, or about 6 oz. of brandy 




Fig. 155. Trocars. 

or whisky, slightly diluted with warm water. Trocar if 
necessary, and retain canula as long as there are signs 
of distress. 



318 THE DISEASES OF SHEEP. 

TETANUS (LOCK-JAW), 

Is about the same in sheep as in horses and cattle, and 
should be treated the same. The animal may die in twelve 
hours. Exposure to cold, especially after shearing, is con- 
ducive of the disease. 

Keep warm and quiet. Give gruel, to which add a little 
gin. Castor oil or Epsom salt ; repeated if necessary. (See 
pages 53 and 234.) 

RABIES 

Kills sheep in from three to seven weeks. It develops 
itself in from two to four weeks after the bite, but it 
may remain dormant till the eleventh week. The sheep 
gradually grow sick. Sometimes they die of paralysis, at 




Pig. 156. Rabies. 

other times of convulsions. They have great thirst, but 
no fear of water ; become furious and fight among them- 
selves, but do not bite mankind. (See page 50.) 

SHEEP BOT-FLIES 

Are a little larger than ordinary house-flies. They are 
of an ashy gray color. They deposit their eggs in the 
nostrils of sheep during July and August, where, if not 
expelled, they remain till spring. Being then full-grown, 



REMEDIES FOR BOT-FLIES, REt) WATER, ETC. 319 

they fall to the ground and become pupse. The pupse- 
cases open in summer and they are freed. They deposit 
their eggs and live till fall. The maggots penetrate to 
the sinuses and sometimes even to the brain. 

Remedy. — Snuff, solution of common salt, tobacco in- 
fusion, diluted vinegar, or a weak solution of turpentine 
may be injected into the nose. Many flies will be expelled 
by sneezing. If any remain in the sinuses, trephine and 
syringe with tepid water containing a small proportion of 
carbolic acid. 

RED WATER 

Kills sheep and lambs as well as cattle. (See page 
270.) If the disease is discovered in time, slaughter for 
food. It is claimed that the disease is due to a lack of 
iron in the system. Whether true or not, salt of iron 
seems to be useful. Give 15 grains of sulphate of iron. 

OPHTHALMIA (Inflamed Eyes), 

Is frequent and sometimes severe in sheep. . As a rule 
it is the same as in the horse (page 136), but it has 
special features. One of these is where the eyelids ad- 
here to the eyeball, common but not confined to sheep 
suffering with scab. Shepherds separate the lid from the 
ball by means of a thin, hard, and polished piece of 
wood, wash with a decoction of mallows or poppyheads, 
and sometimes rub in a little oil. 

Sometimes the disease is epizootic — among cattle as well 
as sheep. This form is known as ' the blind/ and is pe- 
culiar to young sheep, especially when exposed. It is 
dangerous, besides which the blind animal is liable to fall 
over a precipice. Apparently it is due to exposure to 
cold, but it may possibly be due to a micro-organism. 
It is highly infectious. 

Remedy. — Dark, well ventilated shed ; nutritious food, 
with a lump of rock salt in trough. Tar or ointment of 



320 THE DISEASES OF SHEEP. 

salicylic acid around margin of eye, renewed in four days. 
Rub with a mixture of castor oil and corrosive sublimate, 
or blow, with quill, salt dried by heating into the eye. 

In diseases of the eyes, in either sheep or cattle, it is 
better, when practicable, to fatten and slaughter than to 
waste time and money in treatment, especially in such 
diseases as amaurosis (glass-eye), glaucoma, &c. 

NON-SECRETION OF MILK (AGALACTIA), 

"When not depending on any disease nor on wasting of 
the udder, may usually be restored, or partially restored, 
by the use of nutritious food and the following draft : 
Powdered aniseed, 2 oz., powdered gentian, 2 oz., in a 
pint of warm water or beer, 2 or 3 times daily. 

The ears of sheep require to be kept clean, as they 
are liable to inflammation from dirt and maggots. The 
head is carried lower than usual, often a little to one 
side, and is occasionally shaken. 

Fractured and Broken Limbs are sometimes cura- 
ble, but unless the sheep is very valuable, it is cheaper 
to slaughter. 



PART IV 



THE DISEASES OF SWINE. 



The stomach and digestive organs of swine and dogs, 
says Dun, much resemble those of man and are acted on 
in nearly the same way by most drugs. The best purge 
for • swine is three or four ounces of Epsom salt, or a 
like quantity of linseed or castor oil, given in a shallow 
spoon or bottle. An assistant should hold the animal 
firmly by the ears. From two to five drams of aloes is 
also a good purge, but it takes from twelve to fifteen 
hours to operate. Also one to three drams of jalap, but 
large doses may cause nausea or even vomiting. Five to 
ten drops of croton oil is a prompt and effectual drastic 
purge, but requires, as in most other patients, to be used 
with much caution. 

To be healthy, swine (in herds) should be kept in large 
fields or inclosures, and be provided with grass, pure, 
running water, and shade, especially in summer. Corn 
and other fattening foods are good for winter. Careful 
feeding, breeding, anJ management are very important 
factors in swine rearing, more important perhaps than all 
the medicines combined. Still simple disorders may be 
-successfully treated. 

Unlike cattle and sheep, the pig has but one stomach, 
which is nearly as simple in structure as that of the 
horse. Its teeth are adapted to the mastication of many 
kinds of food. The tushes are formidable weapons. 



322 THE DISEASES OF SWIKE. 

SWINE PLAGUE OR SWINE ANTHRAX, 

Also known as hog cholera, red soldier, blue sickness, 
measles, erysipelas, intestinal fever, typhoid fever, &c, is 
a highly contagious and infective disease. It has a period 
of incubation, after inoculation, of about five days, when 
the temperature is 104 or 100°, succeeded by signs of 
general ill health and usually a rash on the skin. It is 
epizootic, and is the most fatal swine disease. Pigs dif- 




Fig. 157. Part of caecum (blind prut), a, ilio-cfecal opening, b, b, 6, 
ulcers in various stages. 

fer in their susceptibility to it. It appears to be caused 
by contagion or infection only, no amount of misman- 
agement, filth, lack of drainage, or decomposing food 
being sufficient to induce it. (Williams.) 



SWINE PLAGUE. 323 

Symptoms. — Loss of appetite; general prostration; 
small and frequent pulse ; hanging ears ; sullen appear- 
ance; painful and haggard expression; watery eyes, the 
conjunctive membranes being red and spotted ; dirty se- 
cretion about the eyelids, usually preceded by a red blush 
and red spots on the ears, the abdomen, and internal as- 
pects of the extremities. The reddened spots are at first 
hot and painful to the touch, but become cold, humid, 
and insensible even to the pricking of a pin. As the 
disease advances trembling and convulsions are manifest- 
ed ; grinds the teeth ; flexor muscles of limbs contract ; 
stands on toes. These symptoms are succeeded by paral- 
ysis of the posterior extremities, or of the whole body, 
involuntary defacation (bowel evacuation), and high col- 
ored and even bloody urine. The bowels are at first gen- 
erally torpid, but the feces may be soft and mixed with 
very black, fetid blood and thick, tenacious mucus. Di- 
arrhea, however, often sets in ; the evacuations are then 
profuse and exhaustive ; the breathing becomes catching 
and convulsive ; a painful cough is present ; the convul- 
sions increase in violence and may continue to do so till 
the end ; but sometimes the animal becomes comatose and 
remains so till the end. 

In some cases the first observable symptoms remain 
stationary from 24 to 48 hours ; then the surface of the 
body becomes burning hot and very sensitive to the touch, 
notably at the sides and abdominal walls. If touched, 
the animal cries with pain. To these signs are added 
trembling, convulsions, grinding of the teeth, and tetanic 
(tetanus or lock-jaw-like) contraction* of the muscles, suc- 
ceeded by rapid diminution of temperature. The mem- 
branes of the eyes become brown, the eyes themselves 
bleared ; tongue dirty, thick, bluish ; the animal, ex- 
tended on its litter, is incapable of any regulated move- 
ment, and dies in from 24 to 48 hours. 

These symptoms are liable to various modifications, de- 



324 THE DISEASES OF SWINE. 

pending on the intensity of the fever and the locality 
of the poison. In some cases the virus seems to expend 
itself on the serous membranes, causing either inflamma- 
tion of the peritoneum or pleurisy; sometimes on the 
mucous membranes, as shown by bronchitis or broncho- 
pneumonic congestion and hemorrhage, and enteric (in- 
testinal) congestion and ulceration; sometimes even to 
perforation or rupture of the bowel. 

In many cases the animal is amaurotic ; wanders to 
and fro; falls, rolls, kicks. Now and then it will rise 
from its bed and give a piercing cry, the whole body be- 
ing involuntarily convulsed. (Williams.) 

Dr. H. J. Ditmers says swine plague "is not a single 
or separate disease, but rather a group of several kindred 
diseases, similar to each other in regard to causes, mor- 
bid process, contagiousness, and final termination, but 
differing very much as to symptoms, seat of morbid pro- 
cess, course, and duration." 

Swine plague is classed among the incurable diseases. 

APOPLEXY 

Occurs usually in fat hogs. Several forms have been 
described, but all are chiefly caused perhaps by too much 
blood and confinement — lack of exercise. The specific 
blood poison of anthrax may not be present. The dis- 
eases of pigs to which the term apoplexy is applied, how- 
ever, partake more of the nature of anthrax than other- 
wise, especielly in young and growing animals. 

Symptoms. — Restlessness; eyes bloodshot; appetite 
variable ; constipation ; dung and urine scanty. As the 
animal eats, it suddenly stops, reels, and falls down dead, 
a great quantity of foam issuing from the mouth. 

Remedy. — As apoplexy is a most fatal complaint, 
prompt preventive measures should be instituted on its 
first appearance. Place healthy swine on a low diet; 
exercise; cleanliness. Give Epsom salt, 2 to 4 oz., cal- 



BLEED FOR APOPLEXY. 325 

omel, 3 to 10 grains, ginger, 2 to 3 drams, with molasses 
and linseed mucilage in proportion — immediately. Give 
same dose to sick hog, that is, if it does not die too soon. 
Clysters for constipation. When down and breathing 
heavily, bleed from the veins of the inner surface of the 
ears. The palate veins and also those of the fore limbs 
may be opened if necessary. 

EPILEPSY 

Prevails more among swine than among either cattle 
or sheep. Its exact nature is not understood further than 
that it depends on some peculiar morbid condition of the 
nervous system, probably degeneration of tissue, arising 
from defective nutrition ; also on remote causes, such as 
abscesses, tumors, &c, in the spleen, brain, and other 
organs ; worms in the stomach or intestines, and other 
conditions producing reflex action. It is peculiar to young 
animals generally, but it occurs in the old also as a result 
of blood diseases, blood poisoning, &c. It is rarely .curable. 

Symptoms. — Severe convulsions, with coma (sleepiness) 
and foaming at the mouth ; staggers ; eyes protrude and 




Fig. 158. Epilepsy 



stare ; violent champing of teeth ; drops on haunches ; 
fore limbs rigid ; head elevated, turned from side to side 
rapidly and now and then tossed up ; muscles convulsed ; 
urine and feces pass involuntarily ; tongue bitten ; falls, 
struggles violently, and soon becomes unconscious ; heart 



326 THE DISEASES OF SWINE. 

beats strong ; membranes increased in color. A long 
sleep may follow, or the animal may soon regain con- 
sciousness, but only to be speedily reattacked ; dies. 

Remedy. — If caused by nervous disorder, give bella- 
donna or atrophine. If from worms, give a vermifuge. 
Proper food and housing ; exercise. At the time of attack 
little can be done. Dashing cold water over the head 
and face is the most proper course, deferring other mea- 
sures till the seizure has passed. Strychnine, quassia, 
gentian or other tonic for lack of blood ; less nutritious 
diet for too much blood ; also exercise. As a means of 
reducing the severity of an attack, and while there is 
power to swallow, chloroform, chloric or sulphuric ether, 
chloral hydrate, &c, should be given, or the animal may 
inhale the first, the latter being injected beneath the skin. 
When it is known that a nerve is at fault, it may be 
divided, or the firing-iron may be applied over the locality. 

For doses, see pages 13 to 29. 

TRICHINA SPIRALIS (WORMS), 

According to Williams, is usually found within capsules 
or cysts, occupying the muscles of some animals, such 
as the pig, or even of man. When full-grown, the female 
is much larger than the male, being one-eighth and one- 
eighteenth of an inch in length respectively. 

Small animals, such as rats, cats, and rabbits, when 
seriously infected, like man, soon succumb to the disease. 
The health of larger animals, however, is rarely affected. 
A pig that was experimented on in the Eoyal Veterinary 
College, showed no signs of the disease, notwithstanding 
an after-death examination indicated that its flesh prob- 
ably contained 16,000,000 of living worms ! Other pigs, 
however, showed much general disturbance and suffering, 
arising from the irritation of the worms in the intestines 
and during their passage into the muscular tissue. The 
irritation of the alimentary canal, which lessens toward 



COOK PORK WELL. 327 

the end of the first week after pigs have swallowed trich- 
inae, is denoted by loss of appetite, vomiting, colic, diar- 
rhea, dullness, arching of the back, and an inclination 
to lie down and hide in the litter. These symptoms, ex- 
cept the diarrhea, usually disappear in from six to eight 
days. 




Fig. 159. Pork Flesh Worm (Trichina Spiralis), imbedded in the 




Fig. 160. The immature worm, highly magnified. 

When the trichinae are numerous, the membranous pas- 
sage of a great number of them induce in some pigs a 
fatal inflammation of the peritoneum ; in others a form 
of inflammation of the intestines, with ejection of false 
membrane. 

Trichinous pork, if used at all, must be well cooked. 
Great heat is necessary to kill all the worms. The only 
safe plan is to cook all pork meat thoroughly. 



328 



THE DISEASES OF SWINE. 



MEASLES 

In swine, cattle, or sheep means an internal or intra- 
muscular disorder, not an external eruptive disease. It 




Fig. 1 63. Slice of roasted sirloin beef. 

a, measles divided by knife into 

nearly equal parts. 



Fig. 164. Measle or Bladder Worm 
of beef. Magnified. 

is caused by a tapeworm technically known as ' Taenia 
solium' (solitary tapeworm), which imbeds itself in the 



WHAT MAY CAUSE TAPEWORM. 



329 



flesh. The eggs of the "worm are taken up by the pig in 
its search for food here and there, especially among dung 
heaps and other filth. The worm is nearly spheroidal in 
shape, having an average diameter of about l-694th of an 
inch, and therefore readily enters the circulation, whence 
it is carried to various parts of the body. It is very pro- 
lific. It lives about two years and produces at least 1,600 
joints, each of which contains 53,000 eggs — total, 85,000,- 
000. Fortunately, like the ova of other parasites, many 
are destroyed in various ways. 

After the ova enter the flesh, several changes occur. 
The germs are inclosed in small cysts or bladders, each 



Fig. 165. Larva of Pork Tapeworm, Fig. 166. Head of Taenia Solium 

with caudal vesicle, liberated or Pork Tapeworm, 

from cyst. Hooks at top. 

having a small, rudimentary head, with hooks and suck- 
ers, &c. They remain in the body till the pig is slaugh- 
tered, when, if the pork is not thoroughly cooked, they 
produce full-grown tapeworms. An unusually large num- 
ber of them may kill a hog. They are peculiar to the. 



330 THE DISEASES OF SWINE. 

tender flesh of young animals, being unable to enter the 
solid flesh of those even one year old. (Armitage.) 
Prevention. — Feed swine on healthy food. 

PROTRUSION OF THE RECTUM 

Is common. The causes are violent straining during 
constipation, diarrhea, impaction of the stomach, worms, 
piles, and injuries inflicted in the anus or intestine; it 
may also follow difficult parturition and stitching across 
the vulva to prevent e version of the uterus or bladder. 




Fig. 167. Protrusion of the Rectum. 

Remedy. — When recent, the color bright, and the tu- 
mor of moderate dimensions, merely wash parts gently 
with warm water, the whole carefully compressed at the 
sides by the fingers, which are spread so as to include as 
much of the tumor as possible. By a kneading move- 
ment, in which the thumbs should be especially active, 
the central part gradually returns, followed by the outer, 
until the whole is replaced. Subsequent straining is to 
be checked — when not caused by constipation — by a full 
close of opium or chloroform, chloric ether, &c, and in- 
jections of the same fluids may be required. When con- 
stipation is the cause, purgatives should be given, com- 
bined with anodynes. Change food if necessary. Some- 
times the organ is protruded six or seven inches, is greatly 
swollen, and now and then lacerated by being seized by 
other pigs. Foment for two hours or more, and if nee- 



EEMEDY FOR CONSTIPATION. 331 

essary apply ice, astringents, &c. In other cases, when 
time has elapsed, the organ may be livid or dark purple 
in color and injured by the movements of the patient. 
Treat as above and recovery often follows. The cause 
of the protrusion must be ascertained and removed be- 
fore a permanent cure can be effected. (Armitage.) 

CONSTIPATION 

Is caused by the excessive use of highly stimulating 
food and lack of exercise. 

Symptoms. — Dull; refuses food; avoids companions, 
even hiding in the straw or in a dark corner of the stye ; 
is obstinate, even bearing punishment before rising ; walks 
crampy, grunting or screaming; anus clean and firmly 
contracted ; belly tender, pressure on which causing the 
animal to scream, rush away, and crouch at a distance; 




Fig. 168. Usual position when suffering from Constipation 

the invariable position is as shown above (Fig. 168) ; 
pulse rapid, full, hard ; membranes injected ; abdominal 
pain ; up and down, screaming or grunting ; urine de- 
ficient, high colored, ammoniacal. If not relieved, the 
symptoms increase in severity ; becomes frantic ; apoplexy 
may end life. Sometimes the abdominal pains increase, 
diarrhea ensues, and the animal dies in from 12 to 24 
hours of prostration. 

Remedy. — Purge early with Epsom salt, 2 to 4 oz., 
powdered ginger, 1 dram, powdered gentian, 2 drams, 
calomel, 5 to 10 grains, mixed in linseed mucilage. In- 
jections of soap and warm water, every half hour. In 2 



332 THE DISEASES OF SWINE. 

hours after giving the internal dose, give the following 
stimulant : Spirit nitric ether, 2 to 4 drams, essence of 
ginger, \ dram, tincture of belladonna, 1 dram, in a half 
pint of warm linseed tea. Friction to skin ; general com- 
fort. Laxative food at first, in sparing quantities and at 
regular intervals. Drink, tepid water, with a small quan- 
tity of oatmeal, linseed tea, &c. Let animal roam. Care- 
ful attention to food to prevent another attack. (Armi- 
tage.) 

SCROTAL RUPTURE (HERNIA), 
Is very common among young pigs, and such should 
be castrated by the covered operation. The general prac- 
tice is to castrate in the usual way and stitch the divided 
scrotum. Sometimes castrators include the intestine in 
the suture, causing death. I have cut pigs with hernia 
by merely inclosing the scrotum in a loop of twine — first 
returning the intestine — and allowing the parts to be re- 
moved by sloughing ; and they have done well. Pigs are 
peculiarly liable, during some seasons, to suffer from te- 
tanus (so-called lock-jaw) after castration. (Williams.) 

CATARRH 

Is the same in nature in swine as in other animals, and 
should be treated the same. Give laxatives in warm 
mashes, and protect from exposure to cold, dampness, and 
drafts. (See pages 70 and 258.) 

DIARRHEA, 

Which usually attacks sucking pigs, should be treated 
on the same general principles as diarrhea in other ani- 
mals. The dose must be small for young pigs, and is 
best given in a shallow spoon or bottle, but for older a& 
imals it may be mixed in a dainty dish. In sucking pigs 
see that the sow has healthy food ; in fact, look to the 
food, in every case. (See pages 107, 24G), 



A VALUABLE LINIMENT. 333 

PARALYSIS OF HIND QUARTERS 

Is not common, but it should be combated with care 
and suitable remedies. Simple turpentine rubbed over 
the loins and back sometimes gives relief. If it fails, rub 
with the following penetrating liniment : Alcohol, 1 pint, 
ammonia, ^ oz., oil organ um, \ oz., oil sassafras, \ oz., 
tincture opium, \ oz., tincture capsicum, \ oz., oil tur- 
pentine, \ oz., camphor, \ oz. A teaspoonful of this lini- 
ment, diluted with a wine-glass of water, will check di- 
arrhea or colic in man as well as the lower animals. Re- 
peat dose if necessary. Horses and cattle would require 
about \ an oz. internally for colic; water in proportion. 

RHEUMATISM 

Should be treated with the above liniment, or some 
other equally soothing and penetrating. Give gentle lax- 
ative in food if necessary, and keep swine in warm, dry 
quarters. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS (PNEUMO- 
NIA), 

Also called heaves, thumps, &c, is a dangerous and 
usually incurable disease. (See pages 79, 261.) 

QUINSY 

Is an inflammation of the throat and adjacent parts, 
accompanied by more or less fever. It is similar to if 
not the same as laryngitis (sore throat). Apply warm 
fomentations and rub with soothing liniments. If exter- 
nal suppuration takes place, encourage it, and treat it as 
a boil. If the animal can swallow, a tablespoonful of 
turpentine and oil may be given in swill. 

Quinsy, or strangles, as it is sometimes called, on ac- 
count perhaps of the difficulty of breathing, is a danger- 
ous disease. 



334 THE DISEASES OF SWItfE. 

MANGE 

Is caused by the mite illustrated below (Fig. 169). It 
is transmissible to man. (See pages 168, 281, 301.) 




Fig. 169. The mite or acarus known as Sarcoptes suis. Magnified. 

For Lice, see pages 168, 284. 

For Jaundice, see pages 133, 253. 

For Foot and Mouth Disease, see page 224. 

For Scrofula or Tuberculosis, see pages 91, 225. 



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